Transforming Opposition into Opportunities for Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the story of the Israelites spying out the land of Canaan from Numbers 13 and 14. The focus was on the contrasting responses of the spies: ten who were fearful and two, Joshua and Caleb, who were full of faith. The central theme was how we perceive and respond to opposition in our lives. Joshua and Caleb saw the challenges as opportunities, describing the land as "exceedingly good" and the opposition as "bread" for nourishment. This perspective is crucial for us as believers. We must shift our view of trials and adversities, seeing them not as deterrents but as nourishment that strengthens our faith and propels us forward.
We explored the analogy of bread in restaurants, which is designed to make us hungrier. Similarly, opposition should trigger a deeper hunger for God's promises. The sermon emphasized that opposition is not meant to defeat us but to nourish and prepare us for greater blessings. We must adopt a mindset that sees every challenge as an opportunity to grow and trust in God's promises. The story of the ten spies who brought back a negative report serves as a cautionary tale about the power of our words and perceptions. They were defeated not by the giants but by their own words and lack of faith.
We also touched on personal experiences and how they shape our responses to adversity. The importance of showing up, trusting God, and moving forward despite challenges was highlighted. The sermon concluded with a call to let opposition trigger our faith, to see it as bread that nourishes us, and to remember God's grace in every situation.
### Key Takeaways
1. Opposition as Nourishment: Opposition should be seen as bread that nourishes our faith. Just as bread in restaurants triggers hunger, challenges should trigger a deeper hunger for God's promises. This perspective helps us grow stronger in our faith and trust in God's plan. [08:23]
2. Faith in the Face of Giants: The story of the ten spies versus Joshua and Caleb teaches us the power of perception. While the ten saw defeat, Joshua and Caleb saw opportunity. Our words and perceptions can either defeat us or propel us forward. We must choose to see challenges as opportunities for God to work. [14:31]
3. The Importance of Showing Up: In the face of adversity, our job is to show up and trust that God will fight our battles. Just as the pastor's presence brought protection in a high school fight, our faith and presence invite God's intervention in our struggles. [18:57]
4. Through the Trials: Adversity is a preliminary discipline that prepares us for greater blessings. Isaiah 43:2 reminds us that God is with us through the waters and fires of life. We must keep moving forward, trusting that God is using these trials to bring us to a place of greater blessing. [21:44]
5. Remembering God's Grace: When faced with opposition, we must remember to say grace. Acknowledging God's grace in our lives helps us see trials as opportunities for growth and nourishment. This perspective shift allows us to trust in God's plan and remain steadfast in our faith. [31:39]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:47] - Introduction to Numbers 13
[03:33] - Joshua and Caleb's Report
[05:15] - Prayer and Reflection
[06:48] - The Bread Analogy
[08:23] - Opposition as Nourishment
[10:00] - Shifting Perspective on Trials
[11:24] - Letting Opposition Trigger Faith
[13:00] - The Purpose of Spying the Land
[14:31] - Power of Perception
[16:04] - David's Example of Faith
[17:31] - Personal Story of Showing Up
[18:57] - Trusting God in Adversity
[20:25] - Preliminary Discipline
[21:44] - Through the Trials
[23:01] - Personal Testimony
[25:57] - God's Plan in Adversity
[28:18] - Year of Favor
[30:04] - God's Omniscience
[31:39] - Remembering God's Grace
[33:29] - Call to Action and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Numbers 13:2, 25-33: "Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers, you shall send a man, every one a leader among them... And they returned from spying out the land after forty days... 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. 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.'... 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.' But the men who had gone up with him said, 'We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.' 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.'"
2. Numbers 14:6-9: "But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: 'The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey. 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.'"
3. Isaiah 43:2: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you."
### Observation Questions
1. What was the report given by the ten spies about the land of Canaan, and how did it differ from the report given by Joshua and Caleb? (Numbers 13:27-33, Numbers 14:6-9)
2. How did Joshua and Caleb describe the land of Canaan and the opposition they faced? (Numbers 14:6-9)
3. According to Isaiah 43:2, what promises does God make about His presence during times of adversity?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the ten spies saw the land of Canaan as a place that "devours its inhabitants," while Joshua and Caleb saw it as "exceedingly good"? (Numbers 13:32, Numbers 14:7)
2. How does the analogy of bread in restaurants relate to the way we should view opposition in our lives? [08:23]
3. What does it mean to let opposition "trigger" our faith, and how can this perspective change our response to challenges? [11:24]
### Application Questions
1. Think about a recent challenge you faced. How did you perceive it initially, and how might viewing it as "bread" for nourishment change your perspective? [08:23]
2. Joshua and Caleb saw the giants in the land as opportunities rather than threats. How can you apply this mindset to a current situation in your life where you feel overwhelmed? [14:31]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of showing up and trusting God in adversity. Can you recall a time when simply showing up made a difference in your situation? How can you apply this lesson to a current challenge? [18:57]
4. Isaiah 43:2 speaks about God's presence through trials. How can you remind yourself of God's promises when you are in the midst of a difficult situation?
5. The sermon mentioned the power of our words and perceptions. How can you be more mindful of the words you use when facing challenges, and how can you encourage others to do the same? [14:31]
6. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's grace during a trial. How can remembering this grace help you face future adversities with faith and confidence? [31:39]
7. How can you shift your perspective to see trials as opportunities for growth and nourishment in your spiritual journey? What practical steps can you take to make this shift? [11:24]
Devotional
Day 1: Opposition as Nourishment
Opposition should be seen as bread that nourishes our faith. Just as bread in restaurants triggers hunger, challenges should trigger a deeper hunger for God's promises. This perspective helps us grow stronger in our faith and trust in God's plan. When we face trials, we often see them as obstacles that hinder our progress. However, if we shift our perspective, we can view these challenges as opportunities for growth and nourishment. Just as bread in a restaurant is meant to whet our appetite, opposition should make us hungrier for God's promises and more reliant on His strength.
Joshua and Caleb's response to the giants in the land of Canaan is a perfect example of this mindset. They saw the challenges not as insurmountable obstacles but as "bread" that would nourish and strengthen them. This perspective allowed them to trust in God's promises and move forward with confidence. We, too, can adopt this mindset by seeing every challenge as an opportunity to grow in faith and trust in God's plan for our lives. [08:23]
Numbers 14:9 (ESV): "Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you view this challenge as an opportunity for growth and nourishment in your faith?
Day 2: Faith in the Face of Giants
The story of the ten spies versus Joshua and Caleb teaches us the power of perception. While the ten saw defeat, Joshua and Caleb saw opportunity. Our words and perceptions can either defeat us or propel us forward. We must choose to see challenges as opportunities for God to work. The ten spies who brought back a negative report were defeated not by the giants but by their own words and lack of faith. Their perception of the situation led to fear and discouragement, which ultimately prevented them from entering the Promised Land.
In contrast, Joshua and Caleb saw the same giants but had a different perspective. They saw the land as "exceedingly good" and believed that God would help them overcome the challenges. Their faith and positive perception propelled them forward and allowed them to trust in God's promises. We can learn from their example by choosing to see challenges as opportunities for God to work in our lives and by speaking words of faith and encouragement. [14:31]
Numbers 13:30 (ESV): "But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, 'Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where your perception influenced your response. How can you choose to see future challenges as opportunities for God to work?
Day 3: The Importance of Showing Up
In the face of adversity, our job is to show up and trust that God will fight our battles. Just as the pastor's presence brought protection in a high school fight, our faith and presence invite God's intervention in our struggles. When we face difficult situations, it can be tempting to retreat or avoid the challenge altogether. However, showing up and trusting in God's presence is crucial. Our faith and willingness to face adversity head-on invite God's intervention and protection.
The story of David and Goliath is a powerful example of this principle. David showed up on the battlefield with faith in God, and his presence and trust in God led to a miraculous victory. Similarly, when we show up and trust in God's promises, we can experience His protection and intervention in our lives. Our job is to be present, have faith, and trust that God will fight our battles. [18:57]
1 Samuel 17:45-47 (ESV): "Then David said to the Philistine, 'You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation where you are tempted to avoid showing up. How can you trust God and be present in that situation, inviting His intervention?
Day 4: Through the Trials
Adversity is a preliminary discipline that prepares us for greater blessings. Isaiah 43:2 reminds us that God is with us through the waters and fires of life. We must keep moving forward, trusting that God is using these trials to bring us to a place of greater blessing. Trials and adversities are not meant to defeat us but to prepare us for the greater blessings that God has in store. Just as an athlete undergoes rigorous training to prepare for a competition, we go through trials to strengthen our faith and character.
Isaiah 43:2 provides a comforting reminder that God is with us through every trial. He promises to be with us through the waters and fires of life, ensuring that we are not overwhelmed. By trusting in God's presence and purpose, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that He is using these trials to prepare us for greater blessings. Our job is to keep moving forward, trusting in God's plan and His faithfulness. [21:44]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. How can you see this trial as a preparation for greater blessings, and how can you trust in God's presence through it?
Day 5: Remembering God's Grace
When faced with opposition, we must remember to say grace. Acknowledging God's grace in our lives helps us see trials as opportunities for growth and nourishment. This perspective shift allows us to trust in God's plan and remain steadfast in our faith. Remembering God's grace in the midst of trials is crucial for maintaining a positive perspective. When we acknowledge God's grace, we can see our challenges as opportunities for growth and nourishment rather than as obstacles.
Saying grace is not just about giving thanks for our food; it is about recognizing God's presence and provision in every aspect of our lives. By remembering God's grace, we can trust in His plan and remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of opposition. This perspective shift allows us to see trials as opportunities for growth and to rely on God's strength and provision. [31:39]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge where you struggled to see God's grace. How can you acknowledge and remember God's grace in that situation, and how does this change your perspective?
Quotes
1. "I want you to shift how you see opposition. When life is life in, I'm using the word opposition, but let's just think about seasons and tests and trials that spring up in our lives just about on a day-to-day basis. We didn't invite them. They just came right in the middle of our promise. Things happen. People get sick. Our kids start acting crazy. Family members on the job, stuff happens." [10:00] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I want to help us shift a little quicker and how we see that thing that just happened. That, that email, an email can just, it can just really set you off. Sometimes I just hate email, a phone call, come in and rock your world. Stuff just happens, but I want to help us to shift in how we see, these storms and these dark seasons and these obstacles, because I believe God did not send it to deter us, but to nourish us." [11:24] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Let opposition be a faith trigger. Let something rise up in you when opposition, comes instead of looking at it as something that defeats what God said, but continue to see that whatever he said is coming to pay. It may take some time. We don't like time. You see Joshua, because of those 10 who messed up, they went out and spied out the land for 40 days." [12:00] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith goes forward. Faith is forward. Even if I've got to stumble forward, I'm going to keep going forward with God. There is nothing back there. Those of us who know and name the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, there is nothing back there that's good for us. I remember as I was reading and looking at King David, and as you remember, when he was anointed King, he still had to serve, but he was anointed King." [15:31] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you pass through the waters, the afflictions, I will be with you. But you got to show up through, through, through and through the rivers of difficulty. They shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, the intense trials, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch. But you, but you got to show up in the through and I'm, I'm getting into my second point already." [20:25] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Let opposition trigger, be a through trigger for you. Now I'm going to tell you where I got that from because I'm preaching from where I am, what I'm going through right now. And so during this. Season you are, I was supposed to come here and preach for you on July 30th, but my mom passed and, you know, my mom was a preacher. And so she would have wanted me to preach today. As a matter of fact, this is her Bible. I'm preaching from." [21:44] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We have the Holy Spirit within us. And so sometimes we've got to learn to adopt. A new language pattern as I was sharing and somebody asked me, are you ready for tomorrow? And usually I would answer with I and I said, we ready. We ready understand that if you adopt that language of we is hard a little harder for you to say we can't it's a little harder to say. This is too much for us. The language of we and us will help to push you forward because we're not in it alone." [24:07] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So we got to change and shift our perspective of how we view when things happen, how we view it. Yes, it rocks us for a minute. But all I want to do today is help us shift, help us shift a little quicker, shift a little quicker and say, God, I don't understand how, but I know that you're going to use this for your glory and it's still well." [27:01] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "2024 is still the year of favor for me. 2024 is still the year of favor for me. It's still the year of prosperity and blessing. The Lord is still good. You see, he says, I am the Lord. I change not. We're going to have some situations in our lives that are going to change and flip, but he does not change. His promises are yes and amen. Don't give up on God because something happened. It came to make you hungry to say. I still believe." [28:18] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "There is no place in our lives. I don't care how devastating it may be because he is the omniscient God. He already knew. Now we wish that he would have fixed it or changed it or done something different because we know more about God than we do. than God, but he's already gone before us. He's already set it up. All we have to do is trust him and keep moving through." [30:04] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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