The people of Israel were delivered from Egypt by the mighty hand of God. Performing miracles against Pharaoh, God parted the Red Sea and His people crossed on dry land; not only that, but God also gave them manna in the desert, their clothes grew with them, at every moment of the day there were pillars guiding them on their way through the desert, however, we find in the book of Numbers that they longed to return to Egypt instead of going after the land that God had promised them.
This account clearly shows us how human nature tends to forget quickly the blessings received when difficulties arise. The people of Israel had experienced the supernatural power of God in a visible and undeniable way. They saw Pharaoh defeated, they crossed the sea without getting wet, and they were sustained daily in the wilderness. Even so, when fear appeared, their hearts turned back to Egypt, a place of bondage and suffering. Instead of trusting in the promises of God, they allowed fear to dominate their thoughts.
The story of the people of Israel is a fascinating example of how fragile and selective human memory can be. Despite witnessing miracles and divine protection, they often strayed and forgot the wonders they had experienced. Joshua was an exception; that young man was there, and his outlook was not like that of his people. He knew that the same God who had shown such great things could continue to accompany them on the journey that lay ahead until they reached the promised land and God would deliver it into their hands.
Joshua did not ignore the difficulties, nor did he pretend that the enemies were weak or insignificant. What set him apart was his confidence in God. He understood that victory did not depend on numbers, strength, or strategy, but on the presence of the Lord among His people. Joshua had learned to trust God in the wilderness, and that trust shaped his vision for the future.
Pay close attention to Joshua’s words to the desperate people:
8 If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.
9 Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not.
10 But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.
Numbers 14:8-10
We highlight here Joshua’s words: “We will eat them as bread,” and “the Lord is with us.” These expressions show a deep confidence in God’s power and faithfulness. The people of Israel had lost motivation, faith, and hope; they had even forgotten the powerful works of God and all they suffered in Egypt, so they wanted to return to slavery. Joshua, however, reminded them of essential truths about the nature of the God who was guiding them.
Joshua understood that fear leads to rebellion, and rebellion leads to separation from God’s blessings. That is why he exhorted the people not to rebel against the Lord. His words were not only a call to courage but also a call to obedience and faith. Unfortunately, instead of listening, the people reacted with anger and wanted to stone Joshua and Caleb. This reaction reveals how hardened their hearts had become.
Have you stopped believing in the things our God can do? Have you lost faith in His promises? Oh dear reader, He who has promised is faithful; yes, even in your dark moment you must know that Jesus has promised to accompany us on this journey and to be with us until the end of time. Just as God was with Joshua, He is with us today, strengthening us in moments of fear and uncertainty.
Many believers face their own “promised land,” yet fear keeps them from moving forward. The example of Joshua teaches us that faith is not the absence of fear, but the decision to trust God despite fear. When we remember what God has done in the past, our faith is renewed, and our hearts are strengthened to continue walking in obedience.
Let us not be like those who longed for Egypt, but like Joshua, who trusted in the Lord and believed in His promises. God remains faithful, His power has not diminished, and His presence continues with those who put their trust in Him.