By Janell Ward
There is an account in the Old Testament Scriptures
where God does something radical for two young men that he refused to do for anybody
else; this generous, display of God’s favor
should captivate our attention and curiosity—Who were these men? What did they
do to gain such great favor with God?
Maybe you can recall the story from Numbers 10; Caleb
and Joshua along with several other spies were sent to spy on the Land they
were about to enter (also the land God promised them). To the group’s dismay,
they saw literal giants and strong warriors living in that land. All of them came back with a terrible report
that conquering and entering the land was surely dangerous.
However, Caleb and
Joshua responded differently—the told the story from the perspective of the
miraculous victory they knew God could bestow. They courageously declared: “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…
we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”
Because Caleb and Joshua were faith filled, they
were exceedingly favored by God. They were not worried future or discouraged by
the sights they witnessed in the Promise Land. They were the men who told the
story differently—they saw the opportunity
to be victorious. Instead of tragedy they saw triumph; instead of
weeping over impossibilities they saw God opportunities. Not only did living the best-case-scenario
lifestyle equip them with favor from God, but most importantly it pleased God (and this should be our
highest aim).
God is clear on why Aaron and Moses (the leaders of
the Israelites) did not get to enter the promise land; in Duet. 32 51 God
testifies, “This is because both of you broke faith with me…” God also allowed all of the negative
comments to become the very prophecy they fell under (Numbers 14:28). Let’s remember that Moses was the man whom God
said that he would speak face to face with because of his purity. Therefore, it’s
nearly inconceivable that God would discipline Aaron and Moses this way;
however this shows us how seriously God views doubt.
I believe that God is calling you and I to share in
the confidence that Joshua and Caleb possessed—to live a best-case-scenario lifestyle— where we constantly
look to see how God can turn and use what seems bad to be a blessing for us. Here
are a few questions to consider over your life:
What goal and dreams has God given you?
Are there great barriers there when you look into
that future?
Do you see struggle and mountains that appear to be
impossible to win?
What does the best-case-scenario look like for you?
What do you want God to do in your life?
The best case
scenario lifestyle embarks on a Phil 4:4 adventure—a quest to live by these
words: whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is
excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. Paul adds to practice a faith-filled lifestyle: and the God of peace will be with you.
If you wake up in the morning full of anxiety for
the day, if you see only the giants that are invading your dreams then here are some practical ways for you to battle
doubt:
5 Ways to live a best-case-scenario
lifestyle:
1. Remember
who God says He is:
a) He is always near: So do not
fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will
strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right
hand.” Isaiah 41:10
b) He is the
peace-giver: “Peace I leave with you; my
peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your
hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14.27
c)
He is the provider: The young lions suffer want
and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good
thing.
Psalm 34:10
2.
Remember what
God has done for YOU and OTHERS:
a)
Jonah, the missionary, called himself to remember where his
salvation came from: "While I was
fainting away, I remembered the LORD, And my prayer came to You, Into Your holy
temple. Jonah 2:7
b)
David, the Psalmist, is famous for turning his
mind toward the past—and what God has previously done for him: I will
remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
Psalm 77: 1
c)
Paul’s
Exhortation: So we say
with confidence,“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What
can mere mortals do to me?”
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:6-7
3. Remember
who YOU are:
a)
You
are a child of God: See
what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know
us is that it did not know him.1 John 3:1
b)
You
are a co-heir with Christ: Now if
we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in
order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:17
c)
You
are a treasured possession: For
you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face
of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. Deut. 7:6
4.
Remind
yourself that God is in control of your…
a)
Time
& Circumstance: Joseph
was taken into prison after being in a high position, but God used his prison
time to bring him higher than before. You intended to harm me, but God intended it
for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving
of many lives. Gen 50:20
b)
Future: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer. 29:11
c)
Your Current
Needs: Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow
nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are
you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26
5.
Lastly,
prove your best-case-scenario faith with ACTIONS:
a. Obedience: Caleb and Joshua said, if God is pleased with us he will lead us to that land… Only do not rebel against
the Lord.
b. The
Divine Pursuit: And without faith it is impossible to please God,
because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
c. A true
REJOICING: But may all who seek you rejoice and
be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” Psalm 40:8; Rejoice in the Lord always! And again I say
Rejoice! (Phil. 4:4)
And now, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as
you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the
Holy Spirit. Rom 15: 13
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