Attitude Changes Everything

Numbers 13:30-31

Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we shall surely overcome it.” But the men who have gone up with him said, “ we are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us.”

Observation:
The same mission but different reports. The same observations but two different outtakes in perspective. One side truly optimistic and the other really pessimistic. All twelve spies chosen were young emerging leaders among the ranks of the Israelites. They all had a balanced combination between strength and wisdom. But Caleb and Joshua had a different spirit. In their mission over Canaan they all found what God promised to Israel, a land that flows with milk and honey to settle. But also they found the sons of Anak in possession of the Promised Land. These were big and ugly boys that look like super sized WWF wrestlers on steroids. Honestly, you don’t want to get in a one on one combat with any of these boys—not even for the whole milk and honey of the world. Ten out of the twelve spies felt that way. But Caleb and Joshua had a different spirit. They both had more than a feisty, renegade, and volatile attitude. They were realistic of the problems, but also very confident that in their side they had the advantage. They become heroes not because of their strength but because of their spirit that lifts them up in a moment when nobody is willing to stand up for what God wants. They were all called to be leaders, but only these two have what it takes to be a commander in the army of God. Is it guts? Is it skill? More than that, it’s about the attitude with which they faced their opposition.

Application:
Attitude changes everything. The right attitude in the most adverse situations can make the difference and will invite the miraculous to happen. If God is promising something to us, we can be sure that we will face giants before we claim full victory. If God is promising healing for our bodies, we should expect many trials before embracing fully that promise. If God is promising healthy and godly relationships, we must expect challenges on the way. If God is promising us favor and promotion we should be prepared to receive attacks, discouragement, and setbacks. But we can never forget, which was very well impressed in Caleb’s mind, is the fact that we have the Giver of the promise fighting in our side. God’s promises are not for conservative cowards that hide in the shadows of false spirituality and religiosity. God’s promises are for anyone who is willing to pay the price and trust completely that there is nothing in them that will give them possession of those promises. It’s all about the Lord Almighty walking alongside with us. God wants to give us the promises, but also we wants to be right beside us when we receive them. Caleb and Joshua had a different spirit. They had the Spirit of the Living God with them. They had a relationship with the Lord and they walked closer to Him. They knew that no ugly giant had enough punch power to knock them down dead. The other spies were so afraid because they had no clue that the Lord was standing right beside Israel.
As we continue planting the foundation of our church in New Hope Diamond Head we work alongside with wonderful people that have been called to the ministry. When facing difficult situations it’s normal to hear different reports. We have those who rely in their own abilities to conquer what God wants to give us, and when the tasks are beyond themselves, their tendency is to report with pessimism. Fortunately there are many others who know that the strong Mighty Hand of God is on our side and that are willing to face any difficulty with confidence. They report with optimism and with relentless willingness to pay the price. The strength of a team is not in numbers or in experience, but in attitude. It’s better to have two leaders that have the Sprit of the Lord in them than ten promising emerging leaders who focus in their personal abilities and cannot trust in God for miracles.

PRAYER:
Dear Jesus, please give us the attitude of Caleb and Joshua to take over the promises you have for our personal lives and for our church community. Cause everything in us to get rid of negative and pessimistic thinking, which relies in our self-centered abilities. Grants us your favor and your mercy with a positive attitude that will give us what it takes to face any giants opposing our way towards your blessings. Help us to look at the face of trouble and simply whisper the name that is above all names to bring forth miracles, freedom and blessing. AMEN!