How long do you suppose it would take you to walk (from North Augusta, SC) to Athens, GA, or to Covington? How about Camden, South Carolina? Or Greenville? Or Charleston?

Why? Because each of those destinations is within the approximate range of distance from North Augusta as the Promised Land is from the starting point of the Exodus of the people of God. Their journey requires a little more time than yours since theirs forces them to cross a hot and dusty desert. Even so, it's estimated to be only an eleven day journey. Yet, as you recall, it takes the people of God forty years to cover the course and accomplish their objective.

As the text opens, they are practically there. They are literally knocking on the door. They see the Promised Land. It has been a long time in coming, but by God's goodness and mercy, they are on the threshold of victory! It's virtually theirs now!

Suddenly, reality sets in, though. There are people already living in the land God has promised to them. In order to claim it as their own, they'll have to fight for it. Frankly, most of them aren't up to that! Instantly, their enthusiasm vanishes and once again, the people of God are plunged into the throes of another spiritual crisis. In fact, the better part of the next forty years is spent right there -- on the brink of the Promised Land, bogged down in their fear and uncertainty.

Let me tell you how paralyzed they became. It would be like you stopping at Summerville or Walterboro on your way to Charleston. For some reason, you can go no farther. Instead, you back up and wander around Bamberg and Dorchester Counties for forty years before you ever move on toward Charleston. Sounds almost unbelievable, doesn't it? But it's what happened to the people of God.

It's always a possibility when you realize that the future is uncertain and good things never come without a struggle. That's why I think it's helpful to look at this passage and learn from it. There are three truths I want you to see. First, anything can happen. Life is filled with uncertainty. Second, nothing can happen that God can't use. And finally, because of God, there's no reason to be afraid of tomorrow! Let's look at each of these truths more closely.

First, anything can happen. Life is filled with uncertainty.(vv. 27-29, 31-33). Even though the people of God see the Promised Land with their own eyes, some feel strongly that a practical, rational approach must be adopted before any action is taken to seize control of it. They suggest that a small group of men -- one from each of the twelve primary families -- be sent to learn everything they can about the land, its people, its economy, and its defenses. They want to know everything it's possible to know, in advance. They want as many answers as they can have, up front. They want as much certainty and reassurance as they can get, before they take another step. They want no surprises! They want guaranteed success! (Deuteronomy 1:22; Numbers 13:17-20)