We don’t know how. We don’t know when. All we know is that trouble will come. Whether it’s a bad exam result, missing out on a place in the football team or being let down by a friend—bad stuff is going to happen. And when it does, there are only two options: go ahead on our own, or turn to God.

Flying solo into the face of trouble is not a good idea. It can lead to us getting into more mess, blaming God or giving up on Him completely. Like the Israelites, we may spin out of control and into hopelessness (NUM. 14:1-4).

After scouting out the new country God had promised to His people, most of the Israelite spies focused on the dangers that seemed to lie ahead. They talked about “we” seven times without mentioning God once (13:31-33). Even though the Israelites were on the border of the land God had promised them, these spies were only thinking about what they could do on their own.

Sadly, the people listened to them, turned their backs on God and left His provision behind. Caleb and Joshua, on the other hand, turned to God with this confidence: “The Lord is with us” (14:9). When your troubles show up, what will you do?

By: Joe Stowell

To Pray About . . .

Lord, You are powerful in every way. I want to obey Your Word and fully rely on You. Thank You for being my pillar of strength when I face troubles.