Our Choices Determine The Direction Of Our Lives
Imagine standing at a crossroads, with countless paths stretching out before you. Each one leads to a different destination – some promising, some uncertain, some filled with challenges and others with hope. Now, what if I told you that the direction your life takes, the very path you walk, is not determined by chance or circumstance, but by the choices you make at each intersection? Every day, we are faced with decisions – some small, some life-altering. And while we may not always realise it in the moment, each choice acts as a steering wheel, guiding us toward our future. Maybe you’re wrestling with a decision, or perhaps you’re looking back at choices that have shaped your journey so far. Wherever you find yourself, know this: God has given us the incredible gift and responsibility of choice. This article explores how the decisions you make today can transform your tomorrow. Be blessed as you read! What we choose to believe or disbelieve significantly influences the course of our lives. A fascinating example can be found in the Bible, specifically in Mark chapter 6. When Jesus returned to his hometown to minister to the people he had grown up with, they all knew him as the carpenter’s son. They were familiar with his history, family, and background. Mark 6:5 states that Jesus could perform no mighty works there, except for healing a few sick individuals. He was amazed by their unbelief. Jesus wanted to perform great works and help the community, but he was unable to do so because of their lack of faith. This made me reflect on the idea that if unbelief can hinder the power of God, it can certainly also prevent the lies of Satan from taking hold. We need to recognise that our beliefs, whether positive or negative, shape the direction of our lives. If we are constantly consuming news filled with negativity and fear, we risk believing the lies that surround us. This can lead us to live in a state of anxiety, fixating on “what if” scenarios. For instance, we might think, “What if I lose my job?” or “What if everything goes wrong? How will we survive?” By choosing to believe in these negative thoughts, we are essentially inviting them into our lives. However, we also have the power to disbelieve these negative narratives and instead choose to believe in the truth found in the word of God. This can serve as our guiding principle. The key to overcoming negativity in this challenging world is to be well-founded and well-grounded in God’s word and to maintain a genuine relationship with God the Father. I can’t express how important my fellowship with the Father is to me. If you’ve been believing negative reports about yourself, it’s not too late to change your direction. There are many negative narratives surrounding us. For example, some people claim that alcoholism is not your fault and that there’s a gene that predisposes you to be an alcoholic. They also suggest that there are genes making you more likely to be overweight or susceptible to depression and discouragement. These are simply excuses, and they are not true. We can observe people who grew up in the same family with the same genetic background, raised in an alcoholic or abusive environment, but they often choose different paths. This shows that we have a choice. Even identical individuals in identical circumstances can lead vastly different lives because we have the power to make decisions. You are not just a product of your environment; you have the ability to choose whether to be a victim or a victor, a winner or a loser. If that weren’t the case, it would be unjust for the Lord to hold you accountable for your actions, as you would be predetermined to follow a certain path. ” What we choose to believe or disbelieve significantly influences the course of our lives. “ You may have experienced many challenges in your life, but ultimately, you chose how to respond to them. Remember, no one can oppress you or control you without your consent and cooperation. Never underestimate your worth, regardless of what others may say. You have the power to accept or reject negative beliefs about yourself. Many people grow up in similar circumstances and choose to reject the idea that they are limited by their environment. They decide to pursue a different path and often find success. Unfortunately, some people believe that their prospects are determined by factors like their skin colour, level of education, or background. They use these as excuses for not succeeding, even though many individuals in the same situations have managed to overcome those obstacles and achieve great things. You cannot use the colour of your skin, your lack of education, or your gender as barriers or obstacles to your success. It’s important to stop blaming others and recognise that if you’re facing challenges or not thriving in a certain area, it’s ultimately a choice you’ve made. While you may have faced pressures or difficulties that others haven’t, you have still chosen to remain in that situation. I was taught beliefs that differ from my current understanding, yet I decided to change, and it required significant effort. The devil cannot prevent you from prospering. You might think, “I believe there’s a recession happening, and I can’t succeed because of it. After all, I’m only human, and there’s nothing I can do about it.” However, you need to remember that the Bible says in Philippians 4:19, “God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God has promised to supply our needs according to His riches and glory, not based on current economic conditions, the British pound, or the US dollar. Many people worry about how their needs will be met due to recessions, layoffs, or struggling local economies. However, it doesn’t matter what happens in the world – our needs will be met according to His riches
How To Overcome Life’s Problems
Have you ever faced a problem so overwhelming that it seemed impossible to overcome? Maybe it was a crisis at work, a broken relationship, a health scare, or a season of deep discouragement. What if I told you that from the very beginning, God’s plan for humanity was never one of failure or despair, but of victory and dominion? While struggles are unavoidable, they are not unconquerable. So, how do you rise above life’s storms? How do you walk in unshakable victory? This article explores biblical principles that will empower you to face life’s problems with confidence, knowing that in Christ, victory is already yours. Be blessed as you read! Jesus warned us we would have troubles in this world, and it’s true – we can’t avoid them. Since we all face problems, I want to start by saying that God’s original plan, right from the beginning of creation, was for humanity to live victoriously. We’re meant to rise above challenges and handle difficulties as they come. God gave Adam and Eve dominion over everything He made. The Scriptures show how sin then entered and disrupted that plan, but it never changed God’s overall purpose. He created us to live an overcoming life and equipped us with the ability to do so. I want to talk about how to live in victory, which means overcoming the difficulties we will face. First, let’s define what it means to overcome. An overcomer is someone who subdues, conquers, prevails, and achieves victory. This definition clearly indicates that overcoming is more than just getting by, yet many Christians seem satisfied with merely getting by. In John chapter 16, Jesus addresses this issue, and I believe many of us are familiar with this verse. However, do we truly take to heart what Jesus said in John 16:33? In this verse, Jesus makes a significant statement saying, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” He says, “In the world, you will have tribulation.” The word “tribulation” refers to afflictions, distress, difficulties, pressures, burdens, and problems. Jesus was preparing us for life in this world when He stated that we will face challenges. However, not many people include this message in their “promise box.” We tend to avoid discussing it, and this has led many to believe that if they give their lives to Jesus, everything will go smoothly. In reality, it is often the opposite. Jesus did not mislead anyone or hide the truth; instead, He addressed it directly, stating that we will encounter difficulties in this world. He, however, also provided guidance on how we, as believers, should respond to these problems, troubles, tribulations, afflictions, distress, pressures, and burdens. He encourages us to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. Jesus said to be of good cheer in the face of problems, yet we often see many Christians struggling to do so. Let’s revisit the first part of this verse where Jesus states, “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace.” What are the things He spoke of? We need to look back to where He began this teaching in John chapter 14, and the first thing He said to us was, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:1-3). ” You can find peace by not worrying about what’s to come, because Jesus has got it all covered. “ This is where Jesus began a series of teachings in John 14, 15, and 16. These chapters contain some of his most important messages, delivered just before he was to go to the cross. He was preparing the disciples for what would happen after his departure. He concluded with the words, “These things have I spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world, you will have problems, tribulations, and troubles. But be of good cheer.” He emphasised that we can find peace in Him. The first thing he said was, “Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” He then spoke of his Father’s house, mentioning that there are many mansions, and added, “If it were not so, I would have told you.” This reassures us that while we face difficulties in this world, we can find peace by remembering that he has taken care of our future. We don’t need to worry because he is preparing a place for us, promising that we can be where he is. He encourages us to believe in God and also in him. I’m sharing the truth with you: your future is secure. Despite what you might hear in newspapers, magazines, or on the radio and TV about the future, you don’t have to worry. For believers like us, the future is bright. I can tell you what it holds: a mansion, streets of gold, and foundations made of precious stones. So, think about your future – the one planned for you by God is truly incredible. You can find peace by not worrying about what’s to come because Jesus has got it all covered. Then He discusses the ministry of the Holy Spirit, starting with John 14, beginning at verse 16: “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever – 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans;
Created To Overcome Problems
God created us to overcome problems. Life is filled with challenges – moments that test our strength, faith, and resolve. But what if I told you that you were not created to be defeated by your problems, but to rise above them? This conviction is rooted in the words of Jesus, who not only acknowledged the reality of trouble in our lives but also promised victory and peace through Him. Jesus assures us that while difficulties are inevitable, we are not left powerless or alone. Instead, we are equipped by God’s design and through His presence to rise above adversity and become overcomers in a world filled with trials. This article uncovers how, by design, we are all equipped to transform struggles into strengths and adversity into victory. Get ready to rediscover the overcomer within you. Be blessed as you read! I want to explain what I mean by “overcoming problems or difficulties.” If you’re reading this and thinking, “I don’t have any difficulties or problems, so this isn’t for me,” I urge you to reconsider. Even if you feel like you have everything in life and you have no obstacles to overcome, this message still applies to you. Jesus warned us that in this godless world, we will inevitably face difficulties. But take heart! He has conquered the world. So, how do you overcome life’s challenges? How do you live as an overcomer? Jesus said in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” He also said in John 14:27 that: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” This scripture encourages us to trust in Jesus and not let fear or worry control us, regardless of the circumstances or difficulties we face. As Jesus says in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.” He assures us that we can find peace by recognising that He is guiding our future. We can experience peace, knowing that He is taking care of us every day of our lives here on Earth. If we truly meditate on this and understand that we are never alone, we can find peace even in the midst of problems. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” It doesn’t matter what you’re going through; Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, is right there with you in your struggles. I want you to know that He will never let you down. A great example of this can be found in the story of Peter walking on water. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to walk on water. But the moment he focused on his circumstances, he began to sink. However, Jesus didn’t let him go under; He reached down and lifted him up. This is the message that Jesus has for us: don’t worry about your problems or the challenges you face every day. You are not alone; He is with you. And if Jesus is with you, who can be against you? The Bible puts it this way: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” He also says, “Take heart, I have overcome the world.” God wants us to be overcomers; in fact, He created us to be just that. It began with Adam and Eve, who were told to have dominion. To overcome means to subdue, conquer, and prevail – to achieve victory. That’s essentially the same as having dominion. Jesus said in John 14:16 and 26 that: “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” ” God’s word is powerful, and you can use it to change any difficulty or obstacle you face. “ In other words, you can face challenges knowing you’re not isolated and don’t have to rely solely on your own strength. The Holy Spirit, your helper, is present with you and within you. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). The good news is this: He who is in you is greater than any challenge you’re facing, so you can overcome any situation. This strength comes from understanding. I want to encourage you to hold tightly to God’s promises (2 Peter 1:3–4) with all your heart, and keep declaring them over your life. God’s word is powerful, and you can use it to change any difficulty or obstacle you face. Jesus demonstrated this throughout his life and ministry on this earth. He stilled the wave. Jesus calmed a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, demonstrating the power of his words. He was asleep in a boat with his disciples when a powerful storm erupted. The boat was tossed about, waves crashed over it, and it seemed as though it would sink. Terrified, the disciples woke Jesus, who was sleeping in the stern, and begged for help. Jesus then rebuked the wind and the sea, commanding, “Peace! Be still!” resulting in an immediate calm. The wind stopped, and the sea became completely calm. Amazed, the disciples wondered who Jesus really was, since even the wind and waves obeyed him. This shows the power of God’s word over nature and emphasises the need for faith when facing difficulties. Jesus taught in Mark 11:23 that we can do the same; we can address our problems and conquer them.
How To Receive Greater Blessings
Receiving greater blessings is a longing shared by many, yet Jesus reveals a surprising pathway to these blessings in His words to Thomas after the resurrection: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” This statement shifts our focus from relying on visible proof to embracing a deeper trust in God’s promises. Rather than seeking tangible signs or demanding personal evidence, Jesus teaches that true blessing comes to those who exercise faith – believing in Him through the testimony of Scripture and the witness of others. So, how do we unlock this kind of faith? How do we position ourselves for the greater blessings Jesus spoke of? Get ready to be encouraged, challenged, and inspired to believe God in a new way in this article. Be blessed as you read! Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Here is a clearer version of the text:Let me provide some context for this scripture. After Jesus resurrected from the dead, He appeared to his disciples. The doors were locked, yet Jesus suddenly appeared in the room and said, look at my hands and my side, and the disciples believed him. 19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side (John 20:29). The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. However, in verse 24, it states, 24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” He told Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Jesus emphasised that a greater blessing is bestowed upon those who believe without seeing. When I first read this, I prayed, “Lord, I want those greater blessings. I want to walk in fullness and possess complete power.” Jesus explained to Thomas that there is a greater blessing than the one he received, as Thomas’s faith was based on sensory knowledge. This type of faith, rooted in what can be seen, tasted, heard, smelt, or felt, is limited and will not bring forth the blessings of God. The Word of God is more certain than anything else, and if your faith relies solely on your physical senses, then you are far behind those who base their faith on what God’s Word says. The Lord teaches that there is a greater blessing for those who believe His word without needing physical proof or evidence. He acknowledges that some believe because they have seen, but He emphasises that those who believe without seeing are truly blessed. As it is written, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Thomas expressed his need to see and touch the Saviour before he could believe in the Resurrection. However, Jesus pointed out that those who trust in Him without requiring visual evidence of His work and power are especially blessed. My friend, trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what He sees. This is the essence of faith: even when we don’t see God at work, we have confidence in Him, anyway. We must actively obey Him and trust in His love for us before we can receive His blessings. It is evident that some people receive more blessings than others. The greatest faith is the faith that says, “Speak the word only.” Let’s examine Matthew chapter 8 and compare this with the faith that Jesus declared to be the greatest he had ever encountered. In Matthew 8:5, it states, 5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralysed, suffering terribly.” 7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” 8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. Here’s an instance where Jesus mentioned that he had never seen such great faith. When he spoke to Thomas in John chapter 20, he said, “Thomas, there are people who are more blessed than you because they believed without seeing.” What was lacking in Thomas’s faith that caused Jesus to consider it less than great? In contrast, in the eighth chapter of Matthew, we find the greatest faith recorded in the Word of God. The difference lies in the foundation of their faith. Thomas based his belief on what he could see, hear, taste, smell, and feel. In contrast, the centurion recognised the authority in Jesus’s word. He acknowledged his own authority, saying, “I have people under me; all I have to do is say the word, and
Our Choices Determine The Direction Of Our Lives
Imagine standing at a crossroads, with countless paths stretching out before you. Each one leads to a different destination – some promising, some uncertain, some filled with challenges and others with hope. Now, what if I told you that the direction your life takes, the very path you walk, is not determined by chance or circumstance, but by the choices you make at each intersection? Every day, we are faced with decisions – some small, some life-altering. And while we may not always realise it in the moment, each choice acts as a steering wheel, guiding us toward our future. Maybe you’re wrestling with a decision, or perhaps you’re looking back at choices that have shaped your journey so far. Wherever you find yourself, know this: God has given us the incredible gift and responsibility of choice. This article explores how the decisions you make today can transform your tomorrow. Be blessed as you read! What we choose to believe or disbelieve significantly influences the course of our lives. A fascinating example can be found in the Bible, specifically in Mark chapter 6. When Jesus returned to his hometown to minister to the people he had grown up with, they all knew him as the carpenter’s son. They were familiar with his history, family, and background. Mark 6:5 states that Jesus could perform no mighty works there, except for healing a few sick individuals. He was amazed by their unbelief. Jesus wanted to perform great works and help the community, but he was unable to do so because of their lack of faith. This made me reflect on the idea that if unbelief can hinder the power of God, it can certainly also prevent the lies of Satan from taking hold. We need to recognise that our beliefs, whether positive or negative, shape the direction of our lives. If we are constantly consuming news filled with negativity and fear, we risk believing the lies that surround us. This can lead us to live in a state of anxiety, fixating on “what if” scenarios. For instance, we might think, “What if I lose my job?” or “What if everything goes wrong? How will we survive?” By choosing to believe in these negative thoughts, we are essentially inviting them into our lives. However, we also have the power to disbelieve these negative narratives and instead choose to believe in the truth found in the word of God. This can serve as our guiding principle. The key to overcoming negativity in this challenging world is to be well-founded and well-grounded in God’s word and to maintain a genuine relationship with God the Father. I can’t express how important my fellowship with the Father is to me. If you’ve been believing negative reports about yourself, it’s not too late to change your direction. There are many negative narratives surrounding us. For example, some people claim that alcoholism is not your fault and that there’s a gene that predisposes you to be an alcoholic. They also suggest that there are genes making you more likely to be overweight or susceptible to depression and discouragement. These are simply excuses, and they are not true. We can observe people who grew up in the same family with the same genetic background, raised in an alcoholic or abusive environment, but they often choose different paths. This shows that we have a choice. Even identical individuals in identical circumstances can lead vastly different lives because we have the power to make decisions. You are not just a product of your environment; you have the ability to choose whether to be a victim or a victor, a winner or a loser. If that weren’t the case, it would be unjust for the Lord to hold you accountable for your actions, as you would be predetermined to follow a certain path. You may have experienced many challenges in your life, but ultimately, you chose how to respond to them. Remember, no one can oppress you or control you without your consent and cooperation. Never underestimate your worth, regardless of what others may say. You have the power to accept or reject negative beliefs about yourself. Many people grow up in similar circumstances and choose to reject the idea that they are limited by their environment. They decide to pursue a different path and often find success. Unfortunately, some people believe that their prospects are determined by factors like their skin colour, level of education, or background. They use these as excuses for not succeeding, even though many individuals in the same situations have managed to overcome those obstacles and achieve great things. You cannot use the colour of your skin, your lack of education, or your gender as barriers or obstacles to your success. It’s important to stop blaming others and recognise that if you’re facing challenges or not thriving in a certain area, it’s ultimately a choice you’ve made. While you may have faced pressures or difficulties that others haven’t, you have still chosen to remain in that situation. I was taught beliefs that differ from my current understanding, yet I decided to change, and it required significant effort. The devil cannot prevent you from prospering. You might think, “I believe there’s a recession happening, and I can’t succeed because of it. After all, I’m only human, and there’s nothing I can do about it.” However, you need to remember that the Bible says in Philippians 4:19, “God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God has promised to supply our needs according to His riches and glory, not based on current economic conditions, the British pound, or the US dollar. Many people worry about how their needs will be met due to recessions, layoffs, or struggling local economies. However, it doesn’t matter what happens in the world – our needs will be met according to His riches in glory. God uses His abundant resources to provide for us. If you don’t
You Have A Choice To Make
Life is filled with choices – some simple, others profound. But among all the choices we face, none is more critical than the one that determines our faith, future, and freedom. Will you believe what God has declared in His Word, or will you surrender to the temporary reality of your circumstances? In a world full of conflicting voices, God’s Word stands as the unshakable truth, offering healing, hope, and redemption. The Bible declares that you are forgiven. You are healed. You are deeply loved. But it’s not enough to hear it. You have to choose to believe it. You have to make it personal. So, will you trust in God’s promises, even when your situation says otherwise? Will you let His Word be the final authority in your life? This article highlights the amazing power of believing God’s word. Choose to believe what God has said. Psalm 103 says: Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Psalm 107:20 says, “He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.” 1 Peter 2:24, talking about Jesus: “who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” Again, Isaiah 53:5, talking about Jesus: “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” Even if you have been diagnosed with an incurable disease and the doctor has given you a grim prognosis, you can choose not to accept what the doctor has said about your condition. Instead, you can embrace the promises of God and find peace in the belief that “by His stripes, you were healed.” While the reality of your symptoms may be undeniable, you can decide not to believe the doctor’s conclusion. This doesn’t mean you are ignoring your health issues; rather, you can choose to reject the finality of the doctor’s assessment. Instead, adopt a different perspective. You can affirm that you will live and not die. Choose to believe the promises of God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them (Mark 11:23-24). Affirm to yourself, “In the name of Jesus, I can have what I say. I am healed, and I am not sick.” You see, many people do not put in the effort required to truly believe in this healing. Individuals often come to my meetings seeking prayer for healing. If they experience healing, they rejoice and believe it, but if nothing happens, they frequently leave with the mindset that they expected that outcome. This reflects the minimal effort many people invest in their faith. The scripture says, “Let the sick say, ‘I am healed.’” This statement is a call to faith and belief in God’s healing power, even in the face of illness. It serves as a spiritual declaration of healing and a way to express hope and trust in God’s provision. I choose to believe what God has said in His Word. By His stripes, we were healed; let the sick say, “I’m healed.” Let the weak say, “I’m strong.” Can you say that? I can say this because I have a strong foundation of God’s Word in my life. After spending years in the Word of God, the promises He makes give me the peace to ignore negative reports and believe the truth found in Scripture. Let me give you an example of this. When the children of Israel were first led to the Promised Land, the Lord instructed them to go and explore the land He had given them. He specified that it was a land He had already given to them and told them to send twelve spies to check it out. Many of us are familiar with this story. Twelve spies were sent into the land, and when they returned, ten of the spies gave a very negative report. The majority of the people chose to believe this negative report, while only two of the spies decided to dismiss it. We have these verses in Numbers 13:32-33. 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. 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.” This is the bad report that caused the people to wail and gnash their teeth. They chose to believe the negative account. However, two of the spies decided to reject the bad report. They had been there, and they had seen, but they had also heard God’s promise: This is the land I have given you. So, in Numbers 13:30, we find their response. 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.” “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” This was the encouraging message from the two men of faith, Caleb and Joshua, who returned with a positive report. They did not believe the negative report that the others presented. Unfortunately, the rest of the people chose to believe the fearful account, which resulted in them wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. Ultimately, Caleb and