Possibilities Are Protected By Problems
The 12 spies returned with word about the Promised land & some of its fruit
Numbers 13:27-33; 14:9
Then they told him, and said: "We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan."
30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it."
31 But the men who had gone up with him (the majority) said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we." 32 And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, "The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. 33 There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight."
14:9
Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them."
12 men went to spy out the land that God promised them
The land had so much possibility of success & prosperity
But, only 2 Possessed the Land & obtained the Promise
Why?
Because if they wanted to Possess the land
they would have to deal with the Giants
If they wanted to Obtain the Promises
they would have to choose Faith over Fear
Most of us find a reason to never move on it because of the Risk involved
If they wanted to Experience the Possibilities
they would have to Deal with the Problems
Possibilities are Protected by Problems
Problems are the gatekeepers of our possibilities
Today we want to see what the scriptures say about
the difference between those who experience the Possibilities
and those who
Do you see the possibilities, but focus on the problems? Focus on the giants
When you see the possibilities, what Giants do your see?
What fears do you have? Failure, money, loss
Are you afraid of what might happen if things go wrong? – Imagined
We exaggerate how bad things could be if our plans don’t work out
amplifying the potential negative consequences
Do you give the Problem all of the Power?
· Giants are strong stronger than we are
· The land devours its inhabitants – other people’s failures
Do you underestimate yourself?
· “We are like grasshoppers in our own sight.” v33
· They do not see themselves as God sees them
· Do you focus on what you DO NOT have?
Do you overestimate the thoughts & opinions of others?
· “We are like grasshoppers… in their sight.” v33
· They feel like it’s safe to be with the majority: 10 vs 2
· Another aspect of risk-taking is the fear of what others will think.
people often worry about criticism or judgment from peers. This concern for external validation can hold people back from embracing bold decisions.
Do you take too much time before taking action?
…so, they delayed, in favor of their comfort zone
They wanted to select new leadership to take them back to Egypt
They were slaves in Egypt, but at least they didn’t they had learned to live like that – no surprised or uncertainty
Some of you hate the box that you’re in, but it’s your box – your comfort zone
The only way to experience the Possibilities is to deal with the Problems
Are you willing to do what is required to move past the problem?
Survey the land – Count the cost Luke 14: 28-33
Not encouraging irresponsible actions
But believing that God is leading you into unchartered territory
Focus on your Possibilities not your fears
Heb 12:2
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
See past the problem to the promise
Visualize your success – Vision
Believe in Yourself – “We are well able to overcome it” 13:30
You have the ability to respond to challenges as they arise
You are not finished growing – risks provide opportunities for growth
There can be no promotion without distinction
Believe in your God
· He made us a promise
Numbers 14:8
If the Lord is pleased with us, He will bring us safely into that land and give it to us.
It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey.
What makes Him pleased with us?
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him.
· He will be with us. 14:9 – Grace
· His Spirit is in me - Spirit to accomplish what He put in your heart
Empowerment
Seize the Moment – Don’t miss the season
“Let us go up at once” v 30
Success rewards action
We think that the Problems are there to keep you from the Promises
They are guarding the promises to ensure that they end up in the right hand
You don’t fight the problem
You Solve the Problem
What skill do you need to perfect?
Certification? Equipment? Financing?
I have the Spirit of God and the mind of Christ…
Don’t make your conclusions based on the giants
Make them based on Your Promise