Day Twelve: Set your eyes on the promised land and resist the temptation to return to Egypt.

Don’t look down. 

It’s a reminder I give myself when crossing a towering bridge or standing on the balcony of one of those supertall Brickell high-rises. I can look straight across or I can look up, but looking down is too scary. 

Anytime you’re in high places, where you set your gaze matters. Fixing your gaze is the difference between standing tall and falling down.  


The Israelites were traversing spiritual heights with God, yet they looked down, losing their courage. More precisely, they focused on the obstacles and the potential fall, abandoning the fight for the Promised Land. The prospect of entering a land filled with giants terrified them to the point that they desired to return to Egypt.


Could you imagine that? They were willing to remain enslaved rather than fight for their God-given destiny. We run the same risk of falling away if we don’t fix our eyes on Jesus. When challenges arise, and they will, we need to focus on the God who makes a way. 


By concentrating on the problem, we risk losing sight of what God is about to accomplish. Resist the urge to look down, giving into fear. Instead, look up to Jesus, who fights for you!
 
Scripture Reference: Numbers 14:2-4

-   2 And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! 3 Why is the LORD bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4 And they said to one another, “Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” 
 
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 12:1-2

-   1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[a] Because of the joy[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 

Prayer Prompt: Ask Jesus to help you stay focused on Him and not your fears. Seek His guidance in recognizing how He is actively fighting on your behalf.