Moses sent twelve of the leaders of the tribes of Israel to explore the Promised Land. After exploring for forty days, they returned. The entire congregation was anxiously waiting to hear what these twelve leaders had to say. They told Moses, “We came to the land to which you sent us; surely it flows with milk and honey; this is its fruit” (Numbers 13:27, TAB).

Can you imagine the excitement building among the congregation as these twelve leaders showed them the fruit they had brought back from the land? Just as God promised, the land was rich and fertile. They brought back pomegranates and figs from the trees and a single cluster of grapes that was so large it took two men to carry it on a pole between them. At long last, their waiting was over. Soon they would be enjoying the fruit of the land and the blessings God had promised them!

The leaders continued, “But the people who dwell there are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; moreover there we saw the sons of Anak (of great stature and courage)” (Numbers 13:28, TAB). At this report, fear began to spread among the Israelites and they began to express their fears and concerns.

Caleb encouraged the people and said, “Let us go up at once and possess it; we are well able to conquer it” (Numbers 13:30). The remaining ten leaders said, “We are not able to go up against the people (of Canaan); for they are stronger than we are” (Numbers 13:31). They began to spread a negative report that the land was full of giants and that it was a land that devours its inhabitants.

At this point, the people had heard three voices: The voice of God, the voice of faith and the voice of unbelief. God had spoken to them through Moses. He had promised to give them this land. He had promised to drive out their enemies before them. He had told them to go in and take possession of the land. No further discussion or consideration was necessary. All that was necessary was for them to hear the voice of God and in simple faith obey.

They heard the voice of faith. Caleb had said, “We are well able to conquer it.” He and Joshua pleaded with the people not to rebel against God (Numbers 14:7-9).

They also heard the voice of unbelief. The remaining ten leaders had said, “We are not able.” God's people had a choice to listen to the voice of God and the voice of faith and obey, or to listen to the voice of unbelief and rebel against God. Which voice will you listen to?

I will not listen to the voice of unbelief. I will listen only to the voice of God and act in faith upon what He says.