But the others said, “We can’t attack those people; they’re way stronger than we are.” They spread scary rumors among the People of Israel. They said, “We scouted out the land from one end to the other—it’s a land that swallows people whole. Everybody we saw was huge…Alongside them we felt like grasshoppers. And they looked down on us as if we were grasshoppers.”
Numbers 13:32-33 The Message
It seems, of late, that we are under attack here in West Texas – by grasshoppers! These pesky eating machines are trying their best to destroy many of my favorite plants. I’m not talking the sweet little ½ inch insects; I’m talking about the 2+ inch armor plated jumping machines. As I survey my flower beds around my house, I see the destruction that this army of chewing critters have done – bite by bite, day by day.
And, this makes me think of how things can eat away at me – slowly, methodically bit by bit, eating away at my confidence and making me feel like the people of Israel must have felt as they looked up at the giants and felt tiny, insignificant, unimportant.
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Philippians 4:19-20 NIV
I read this and I know this and I believe this, but sometimes when troubles abound like the grasshoppers in my yard, I am overwhelmed and don’t know what to do. I talk to a friend, email and complain, remain silent and let it fester, but I really need to remember the promise behind this verse.
God WILL meet all my needs – All my needs and troubles now and in the future.
According to the riches of Christ Jesus – because Jesus is our Savior.
…for by Him all things were created (Colossians 1:15-16),
…whom He has appointed heir of all things (Hebrews 1: 1-2),
…the pioneer and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2),
…I am the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6),
These are our riches, and there are so many more verses just like this waiting to be read, waiting to be believed. So, before we talk, email, or sit in silence, pick up the Bible and read about all the riches that God has promised us. Oh, don’t know where to start – how about John.
One more thing – in Numbers 13, some of the spies sent by Moses spread “scary rumors.” I know those giants were … giants, but sometimes we 
exaggerate our troubles and add bits and pieces to the story. I’m not sure why we do this, but we don’t need to. If we let go and allow God to truly meet our needs, He will. Remember the verse – God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Jesus WILL meet all our needs. Even if we feel that we are being swallowed whole by them. He will do this each and every day. All we have to do is ask.
Heavenly Father,
When problems and troubles seem as big as giants and make us seem so small and inferior, help me to remember that with You all things are possible, and with You, I am safe from the storm. Help me, O Lord, to look to you each and every day and ask you to take my burdens away from me, for you are the Almighty God.
Amen.
