Would it Not Be Better for Us?

​“Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder; would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” Numbers 14:3

Ten of the twelve spies reported to the Israelites that it was not safe to enter into the land of Canaan because the giants that inhabited the land would overtake them. After the Israelites heard the report, they were gripped with fear, cried, and mumbled to Moses and Aaron. They began to ask, “Why is the Lord bringing us into this land to fall by the sword?” and “Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” (Numbers 14:3). They also planned to appoint a leader so that they could return to Egypt. Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb were filled with grief. Joshua and Caleb urged the Israelites to avoid rebelling against the Lord because the Lord promised to bring them into Canaan, which flowed with milk and honey. They reminded them to not fear, because the Lord removed the protection of the inhabitants of Canaan and the Lord was with them. In spite of pleading, the Israelites sought to stone them. The Lord became angry at the Israelites’ constant rejection and unbelief despite all of the signs and wonders that He performed in their midst.

​To reject God is to doubt, complain, and speak against God.  The Israelites did not trust God and as a result, in their fear, they spoke what they truly believed.  They believed that the Lord was bringing them to their deaths and they also believed they knew what was best for them, which was to return to enslavement in Egypt. 
 
Think about what comes to your mind when you begin to fear.  Do you believe that God is for you or against you? Do you believe the Lord is working for your good or that He is working to trap or harm you? As you face fear, do you believe that God can be trusted or do you trust in yourself more and believe that you are wiser than God?  Resist the temptation to dwell on thoughts that derive from, “Would it not be better…?” God knows what is best for His children.  He always seeks to do good for His children and He will lead and guide you in the direction you should go as you love and trust Him and seek to honor Him.