Have you ever had to speak up for what you believe in; what is on your heart? You know that who you are speaking to will be against you, against your beliefs and your ideals.

The world is a very confusing place. Social media dictates what we see and read. Our communities, schools and workplaces are filled with opposing views based on what people believe; their perception of what they hear.

As Chapter 13 of Numbers comes to an end, we read about the scouts report back to the community members. Numbers 13:27-29..a beautiful country…a land filled in with milk and honey. Then the tone changes to the challenges ahead. Verse 29 – “The people living there are powerful, we even saw giants.”

Those last words were what the community of Israelites clung to. Everyone put their focus on the negative report and forgot about the milk and honey. These words began a rebellion. Verse 29 “The people are powerful, lets just go back.”

Not unlike the Israelites we can focus our thoughts on the heard times ahead. We forget how powerful out God is. How He has gotten us through our battels. Our battles of broken families, addition, sick children or a loss of a child. Maybe we have lost our job and the road ahead seems hard We put all our focus on the road and not in prayer. Knowing that God is with us and will protect us along the new journey.

The negative opion of just 10 men caused a great rebellion (13:33-14:4). Because it is human nature to accept opinion as fact. We must be careful how we present our negative opinions. When others seek sound advice, our words weigh heavy on their heart.

Years ago I was struggling with a family, I was out to dinner with a dear friend. She listened to my struggle and began to speak the truth. One sentence she said struck a core with me. “Can we have a gentle conversation”? This opened my heart and the Holy Spirit spoke words of peace and victory.

The news today is harsh and being push at us every minute. A soft gentle voice in all the static may be able to be accepted. The truth will cut through the fear and show that our victory is found in Christ Jesus.

Christ has been crucified and buried with our sin, fear and regret. We know the end of this story. We know the victory over death has already been won.

Tomorow as you celebrate the victory over the grave. Gods demonstration of His love for us; While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) Remember Jesus declaration in John 11:25-26. ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he may die, shall live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.”