Here are four fears that often keep us from succeeding: the fears of rejection, ridicule, success, and failure. Long ago 10 spies were overcome by the fear of failure. Moses sent spies to explore the land God promised to give ancient Israel. God had already performed many decisive miracles to show His capacity to do whatever He promised. He had set them free from the most powerful nation at that time, Egypt, supplied nearly two million of them with water, food, and protection. Now on the verge of entering the Promised Land, Moses sent 12 spies to prepare their way for entry. But when the men got back from their mission, they brought a divided report. We read this in Numbers Chapter 13, “But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. ‘Let’s go at once to take the land,’ he said. ‘We can certainly conquer it!’ But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. ‘We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!’” The huge difference between the ten who feared defeat and the two who were confident of victory was this: The 10 were counting on their own puny ability. The two were trusting in the promise, the integrity, and the power of Almighty God. Today, we should strive to be like the two.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
