Faith Does Not Deny Clear-Sightedness
They came to the valley of Eshcol, and cut down from there a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bore it on a staff between two; they brought also of the pomegranates, and of the figs. — Numbers 13:23
Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. — Matthew 10:16
Author
Dr. Roberto Miranda
Summary: Faith does not require us to ignore obstacles or abandon planning. Like Moses before entering the promised land, we must carefully assess the situation, understand its challenges, and gather accurate information so that we can act wisely. Trust in God’s provision must be accompanied by clear-sightedness, knowledge, and strategy. In times of scarcity, we need discernment to discover resources where others do not see them. Let us also assess our abilities and limitations; then let us bring specific requests before God, ask him for wisdom and power, receive direction for the battle, and take action with the assurance that he will support us.
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 strategic skills. In other words, it does not prevent us, like Moses, from spying out the land before possessing it, even though we know that God has promised to give it to us. The attention to detail reflected in Moses’ instructions to the twelve spies is tremendously instructive. Before sending them on their mission, he instructs them:
Go up from here into the Negev, and go up into the hill country, and see what the land is like, and whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, few or many; whether the inhabited land is good or bad; and whether the cities they dwell in are camps or fortified strongholds; and whether the soil is fertile or barren, and whether there are trees in it or not.
Note the specific and detailed instructions, the meticulous eye of the competent statesman and military leader, seeking precise intelligence about the elements that will determine the strategy to be followed. Faith does not deny clear-sightedness! The two must go together. We must ask the Lord for wisdom and intelligence. The Bible speaks of knowledge as well.
Ask the Lord to give you intelligence, knowledge, and strategy. In times of scarcity and financial barrenness, people endowed with special intelligence are needed to find resources where others do not see them. That is why we must ask the Lord, “Give me knowledge, give me strategy, so that I may dig and find something where others find nothing.” We need a clear-sighted gaze, a meticulous awareness that enables us to come before God our provider with a specific request and to receive strategy and resources for the battle ahead of us.
Analyze your situation. Know intimately the true nature of the challenges you face. Do not ignore even your own resources and limitations. With that wealth of information, then come before God. Ask him for wisdom and power. Then launch into action, confident that God will support you in everything you undertake.