In Numbers 13, we read that Moses sent 12 spies representing the 12 tribes of Israel to scout out the land of Canaan and give a full report to the congregation. After the scouts had explored the entire land, they brought back samples of the fruit of the land; most notably a gigantic cluster of grapes which required two men to carry it on a pole between them. The scouts then reported to Moses and the congregation that "the land indeed is a land flowing with milk and honey," but 10 of the 12 spies discouraged the Israelites from even attempting to possess the land, for they reported that the men -- the Anakim (or Anakites) -- were taller and stronger than the Israelites, and that they felt like grasshoppers in their presence.
Hence, in Deuteronomy 9:2, we read, "A people great and tall, the children of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand before the children of Anak!"
Despite their overwhelming size, the Book of Joshua states that Joshua finally expelled them from the land, excepting a remnant that found a refuge in the cities of Gaza, Gath (ever heard of Goliath? He was from Gath) and Ashdod.
We hear similar reports today. In modern-day terms, it would be,
"You've heard the news: the economy is down. The stock market is low. You can't be blessed. You can't be successful this year."
or
"You've heard what the medical report said -- you're never going to get well now."
or
"You remember what the coach said about you -- you're not talented enough. You don't have what it takes to play on the team."
The next time someone says something is too big to be conquered, or the next time your own thoughts try to convince you how impossible it all is, just answer back that, "Yes it may look impossible! Yes, they may be bigger! All the odds are against me. I'm not denying the facts of the truth. But I'm not worried about it. I know God has the final say, and he is bigger than all those giants combined."
We all face situations that seem as impossible as conquering a giant. It's easy to get discouraged and think things are never going to work out. The scriptures talk about how God is going before us, making our crooked places straight. That means you may not have the connections right now to accomplish your dreams. But you don't have to worry; God is going before you, lining up the right people. He's arranging the right breaks, the right opportunities. You may have lost your job or had your hours cut back. It's easy to get negative and think nothing is ever going to change.
You have to realize that loss is not a surprise to God. He's not up in the heavens, scratching his head, going "Oh no, what am I going to do now?" No, God has already written every day of your life in His book. He knew exactly when that setback would occur. And the good news is, He's already arranged a comeback. Before you had a problem, God already had a solution. He is going before you and promised He will fight your battles. He is preparing the next chapter of your life.
Hence, in Deuteronomy 9:2, we read, "A people great and tall, the children of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand before the children of Anak!"
Despite their overwhelming size, the Book of Joshua states that Joshua finally expelled them from the land, excepting a remnant that found a refuge in the cities of Gaza, Gath (ever heard of Goliath? He was from Gath) and Ashdod.
We hear similar reports today. In modern-day terms, it would be,
"You've heard the news: the economy is down. The stock market is low. You can't be blessed. You can't be successful this year."
or
"You've heard what the medical report said -- you're never going to get well now."
or
"You remember what the coach said about you -- you're not talented enough. You don't have what it takes to play on the team."
The next time someone says something is too big to be conquered, or the next time your own thoughts try to convince you how impossible it all is, just answer back that, "Yes it may look impossible! Yes, they may be bigger! All the odds are against me. I'm not denying the facts of the truth. But I'm not worried about it. I know God has the final say, and he is bigger than all those giants combined."
We all face situations that seem as impossible as conquering a giant. It's easy to get discouraged and think things are never going to work out. The scriptures talk about how God is going before us, making our crooked places straight. That means you may not have the connections right now to accomplish your dreams. But you don't have to worry; God is going before you, lining up the right people. He's arranging the right breaks, the right opportunities. You may have lost your job or had your hours cut back. It's easy to get negative and think nothing is ever going to change.
You have to realize that loss is not a surprise to God. He's not up in the heavens, scratching his head, going "Oh no, what am I going to do now?" No, God has already written every day of your life in His book. He knew exactly when that setback would occur. And the good news is, He's already arranged a comeback. Before you had a problem, God already had a solution. He is going before you and promised He will fight your battles. He is preparing the next chapter of your life.
Just know that sometimes, God's solution to your challenge may not be one that you've anticipated. I've found that usually, God will provide one of two solutions: He will either calm the storm, or He will let the storm rage, and calm His child.
Stay in faith. Keep the right attitude. When those thoughts come saying "you'll never accomplish your dreams" or "you're never going to be happy at work," just turn it around and make a declaration of faith. Say, "I'm going to overcome this addiction quicker than I think", "I'm going to get better quicker than I'm told", "I'm going to accomplish my dreams much quicker than I think." THAT faith will determine your destiny.
If you will stay on the high road, constantly declaring your faith (even if it's to yourself) and just keep being your best, you will see the hand of God -- and more -- in amazing ways. It may not happen overnight, but at the right time, in your due season, God will not only move the wrong people out of the way, but He will also pay you back for every injustice. He will make up for lost time and get you just where you're supposed to be.
"Who can stand before the children of Anak?"
With God on your side, you can. And you will.
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If you will stay on the high road, constantly declaring your faith (even if it's to yourself) and just keep being your best, you will see the hand of God -- and more -- in amazing ways. It may not happen overnight, but at the right time, in your due season, God will not only move the wrong people out of the way, but He will also pay you back for every injustice. He will make up for lost time and get you just where you're supposed to be.
"Who can stand before the children of Anak?"
With God on your side, you can. And you will.
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This is a great story. During my youth I was told several times that I wasn't good enough. But that made me more determined to do it anyway.
ReplyDeleteWhile I was in high school in a small town in Utah, I took the ACT test and didn't do very well on it. I am a poor/slow reader but my memory made up for my inability to read all the material necessary for each of my classes.
When I had an interview with our school counselor, he told me to go home, get married, and have babies! He said I wasn't smart enough to go to college, espically BYU! That was my dream .... to go to the Y. Well I sent off my letter for consideration for enrollment to BYU and was turned down. Then my brother said to come up in person and try for summer school. I did and because my GPA were 3.89 they gave me a trial run for the summer. Soon in the mail I got my letter of acceptance from BYU. I took that letter and waived it in the face of my school counselor. Needless to say he was shocked! During the summer my GPA was 3.6 so they let me stay!
Then I was told by a doctor that I couldn't have any kids, that I would die on the delivery table if I was to try and have any kids. Well here I am 40 years later, and I might add, I had 10 kids all naturally!
With all that being said.... don't let anyone tell you that you can't do this or that! Just dig in your heals and do it ... show them you can!!!
In good times or bad, there are but two choices:
ReplyDelete1) To do
OR
2) To have done to you.
When stuff happens that makes me feel sad, sorry, or weak, I always think of what Wyatt Earp (Kevin Costner) said to his deputy:
"You're not a deliberate man, Ed,"
Kind of a crushing comment, but also forces the mind to ask the question:
What does that mean to be a deliberate man (or woman)?
God's a deliberate man. Perhaps the most deliberate person we will ever be acquainted with.
Being deliberate is the only way anything else gets any better.
Thank you, blogger, and thank you anonymous of Feb 8. You have stretched my soul to believe that what I am in right now will not last forever.
ReplyDelete"If you will stay on the high road, constantly declaring your faith (even if it's to yourself) and just keep being your best, you will see the hand of God -- and more -- in amazing ways."
ReplyDeleteMy mission president taught that there would be days when Satan would try to discourage us even to the point of doubting our own testimonies. The President suggested for those times, that you stand in front of a mirror, look straight into the reflection of your own eyes, and speak your most deeply held beliefs and testimony. It sure helped rekindle the fires of my testimony from time to time!
There is Light and Life and Love in what you write. THANK YOU. Thank you thank you thank you.
ReplyDelete