The Grapes are Bigger than the Giants
How do you view impossibilities? Do they intimidate you and stop you dead in your tracks before you ever even attempt to defeat them? I have found that there are usually 2 different ways to approach an obstacle in your life. The story of Israel’s twelve spies always helps me when I am facing an impossibility. They focused on the giants but Joshua and Caleb focused on the grapes! God called this kind of faith a "different spirit”: “But my servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land he entered and his descendants will take possession of it” (Num. 14: 24)
Everybody feels it when there are giants lurking around. I have faced situations where my knees literally grew weak. I have always had to regather my spirit and take my stand of faith.
Here are a few of the “differences” in a different spirit:
1. Peace instead of Panic
Caleb “quieted the people” (Num 13:30). A leader must move in quiet assurance in the midst of terrifying symptoms and odds.
Jesus told the raging storm, “Peace, be still.” He had an inner calm while the storm was in full gale.
2. Opportunity instead of Obstacles
Caleb called the land full of giants an “exceedingly good land.” His mind recorded the beautiful cities, vineyards, water supplies, and homes instead of the walls, defenses, and giants.
We must see the potential rather than the problems.
3. Alignment for the Assignment
Caleb knew that “If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us in….” (Num. 14: 8). He searched his own life by prayer to be sure there was nothing within him that was “out of alignment” with the perfect will of God.
We cannot face giants from without if we have tolerated giants As you face this huge problem ask yourself, “Is there anything in my life that would keep me from standing strong in this battle I am about to enter?”
“Look for the grapes whenever you see giants coming towards you.”
4. Submission instead of Rebellion
“Only do not rebel against the Lord.” To resist and move in the opposite direction from God is dangerous. Numbers 11 was their complaining; Numbers 12 was their criticism; Numbers 13 is their stubborn refusal to follow the direction of spiritual leadership.
When we honor those in spiritual authority, a blessing is released.
5. Spiritual Warfare instead of Natural Warfare
“Their protection has been removed from them and the Lord is with us…” (Num. 14: 9). Caleb could see into the spirit world that the enemy’s armor was already removed. Walls and armor were worthless against God’s hornets! We must see our enemies as stripped of their defense against us, stripped of their power when Christ rose from the dead.
See your enemy as already defeated by the resurrection of Christ. It has no power to intimidate or defeat you.
Peace, opportunity, alignment, submission, and spiritual warfare should be within you every time you face a giant. Look for the grapes whenever you see giants coming towards you.
What is the giant you are facing and what do you need to do to prepare to defeat it?