GOING AGAINST THE FLOW

"But the whole assembly talked about stoning them."
Numbers 14:10a

Have you ever had to stand up against the majority for a cause that
wasn't popular? God brought the Israelites out of Egypt and promised He
would lead them into a land of milk and honey. The process of moving
out of Egypt was difficult. They could no longer do things the old way, for
the old ways didn't work in the desert. God provided for them during
this journey. But there came a point in which the people forgot what
God had said. Their discomfort changed their belief about God.
Whenever God is slow to answer our prayers, what we believe about God
is revealed. Do we change our plans and move in a different direction when
pressure mounts? Or do we continue on the path God has directed for us?
Four men believed what God said and were willing to stand; however, the
crowd wanted to stone them.
Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite
assembly gathered there. Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh,
who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and
said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and
explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, He will
lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will
give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid
of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their
protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them."
But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Then the glory of the
Lord appeared at the Tent of Meeting to all the Israelites (Numbers
14:5-10).
Notice Joshua and Caleb's response to the situation. They had spied the
land. They believed God. They challenged the crowd. They seemed to know
that if the Lord was not pleased with them they would not enter into
the Promised Land. Those who grumbled did not enter the Promised Land. Only
Joshua and Caleb and a new generation saw the fulfillment of God's
promise.
Has God called you to stand for a cause bigger than yourself? You will
have opposition to His call; sometimes it even comes from those in your
own camp. But if God has called you, then you can be sure He will make
a way. He has already opened the way before you. But you must walk in
faith, joined with Him to take the land.
...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be
discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).