Faith does not deny lucidity

SUMMARY: Faith does not mean ignoring obstacles and details or not employing sound planning and strategy skills. Like Moses, we should spy on the land before possessing it, while still trusting in God's promise. We should seek specific and detailed instructions from God and ask for wisdom and intelligence to find resources where others will not see them. We should analyze our situation, know the true nature of the challenges we face, and come before God with a specific request. Then, we can jump into action, confident that God will support us in everything we undertake.

In the believer's spiritual journey, the element of faith does not prevent us from remaining aware of obstacles and details, or from employing sound planning and strategy skills. It does not prevent, in other words, that like Moses, we spy on the land before possessing it, even knowing that God has promised to give it to us. The detailed attitude that Moses reflects in his instructions to the twelve spies is tremendously instructive. Before sending them on their mission he instructs them:

Go up from here to the Negev, and go up to the mountain, and observe the land how it is, and the people that inhabit it, whether it is strong or weak, if little or numerous; how is the inhabited earth, if it is good or bad; and how are the inhabited cities, if they are camps or fortified squares; and how is the land, if it is fertile or sterile, if there are trees or not.

Note the specific and detailed instructions, the meticulous look of the competent statesman and military leader, seeking precise intelligence on the elements that are to determine the strategy to be followed. Faith does not deny lucidity! The two things have to go together. We have to ask the Lord for wisdom and intelligence. The Bible talks about science too.

Ask the Lord to give you intelligence, knowledge, strategy. In times of financial deprivation and sterility, gifted people with special intelligence are required to find resources where others will not see them. That is why we have to ask the Lord, "Give me knowledge, give me strategy, to dig and find where others will find nothing." A lucid look is needed, a detailed conscience, that allows us to go before the provider God with a specific request, that allows us to receive strategy and resources for the battle that lies ahead.

Analyze your situation. Know intimately the true nature of the challenges you face. Don't even ignore your own resources and limitations. With that wealth of information, then come before God. Ask him for wisdom and power. And then jump into action, confident that God will support you in everything you undertake.