What You Say Matters: Insights From the Twelve Spies
- Rosanne Martin
- Sep 22
- 4 min read
When God gives you a promise, it will always be bigger than what you can do on your own because He wants to journey with you. He wants you to walk in faith and obedience, trusting Him as you face the challenges and things you must overcome to see those promises fulfilled. What we listen to and speak significantly impacts our faith and our actions.
As I was looking at the journey of the Israelites into the Promised Land, in Numbers 13-14, where twelve spies were sent out to assess the land promised to them by God. The Holy Spirit highlighted to me the language used in the reports they brought back.
The 12 Spies' Reports
Report One: Ten spies saw that the land was good and fertile, a land flowing with milk and honey, but they focused only on the problems and challenges they would face. Their report was devoid of God, His help, His power, and their identity in Him.
They saw themselves as grasshoppers, small and powerless compared to the strength of the warrior-like people and the giants in the land.
Their words caused fear, insecurity, and rebellion against God among the Israelites.
Words such as
“BUT …” followed by the insurmountable problems, such as the strength and size of their enemies, and the fortified cities. This magnified the enemy rather than God
“We can’t … because…” Words that induced fear and weakness not only in themselves but also in the rest of the Israelites.
“We seem like…” This type of comparison attacked their own identity; Not once did they mention God.
Report Two: Joshua and Caleb saw that the land was exceedingly good and was flowing with milk and honey. They were adamant that with God's help, they could take the land and conquer the people, even the giants.
They made bold declarations, encouraging the Israelites not to rebel against the Lord and not to be afraid of the people. They prophesied victory. “ Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.’(Number 14:9). Their words were full of faith and possibility and God.
Unfortunately, the Israelites didn't listen to Joshua and Caleb's report. They listened to the report of the ten spies, which poisoned their minds and hearts with fear. This cost them 40 years of wandering in the desert until they all died.
Reflections
When you think of the promises God has made to you, which report are you listening to?
What words do you use in relation to these promises?
Take time to ask the Holy Spirit what words you use in association with the promises He has made to you. Write down the words you use.
If your conversation is God-focused and positive, then you are moving forward in faith. Praise the Lord!
However, if you find that you are speaking a lot of negative things, feel fearful, and God is absent from your words, then you probably need to change the way you see things and the words you use. The good news is that God will help you do it if you ask Him.
Steps to Help You
Ask God to show you the situation through the eyes of faith. Ask for forgiveness for your lack of trust and negative words.
For every negative statement, write out a "But God" statement.
Where there is an "I can't" statement, change it to "I can… with the Lord's help."
If you are making statements that attack your identity, write out who you are, according to Scripture and what he has promised you.
Declare and prophesy the promise and these positive, life-giving statements. Check in a week's time and see if your report has changed.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the reports of the twelve spies, we can see that our words matter, as do the reports we listen to. Are we listening to and speaking words of faith and encouragement, and "but God... " statements like Joshua and Caleb, or are we allowing fear, doubt and overwhelming problems to dominate our speech like the ten spies did?
My Prayer for You
I pray that you will not waver through unbelief regarding the promises God has made to you. I ask that you be strengthened in your faith as you wait for the fulfilment of those promises. May you be fully persuaded that God has the power to do what he has promised, even if it seems impossible.
I pray that the Holy Spirit will help you see the possibilities and not focus on the problems. May you speak words that encourage and draw yourself and others into the faithfulness of Jesus.
I pray that you would boldly declare your promise and step forward with faith and courage, knowing our heavenly Father is leading you into the promises he has made to you.
I ask these things in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Christ Jesus, Amen
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