As God’s people approached the Promised Land 12 spies were sent out to survey it. Upon returning 10 spies said, “It’s true. The land does flow with milk and honey and the fruit is enormously good! BUT, our worst enemies live there and we are as small as grasshoppers compared to them. We cannot enter, we’ll be devoured.” The other 2 spies said, “Yes, the land is gloriously good, and the enemy is daunting. BUT, the Lord is with us. Don’t be scared!” Of the 12 spies, only those 2 lived to enter the Promised Land.
I have wondered what made those 2 spies different. I mean, everyone had been on the same trail through the very same wilderness. Everyone ate the same food and had the same water to drink. So what gives?
I think those 2 spies were just different all along. I think that when manna fell from heaven for the umpteenth time and others were saying, “Not again” or “Same old same old” those 2 said instead, “Thank you.” I think when the people were really thirsty and Moses struck that rock and everyone cried out, “Finally! We were dying of thirst!” those 2 said instead, “Wow. Awesome.” I think when those wilderness wanderers encountered yet another hardship and the general population complained, “Let’s turn back!” or “Why did we ever come out here?” those 2 said instead, “Lord, help us.” I think that day by day those 2 spies had responded in faith (gratitude, awe, and prayer) to all the smaller things, so that when it came time for the big thing, they were ready.
We really do prepare for our big moments and big days, in small moments today.
Whoever is faithful in small matters, will be faithful in large ones. Luke 16:10 GNT