The Lord said to Moses, “Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each ancestral tribe send one of its leaders.” Numbers 13:1-2, NIV

Have you ever felt stuck or unsure of your next steps? If so, you are not alone. I think it’s safe to say that we have all felt this way at times. But the good news is that every day, we can choose who we will allow to guide us.

In chapter 13 of Numbers, the Lord told Moses to send men into the land of Canaan to discover what he would give to the Israelites. So he did. And men went. And they saw amazing things. The land flowed with milk and honey and was overflowing with fruit.

But they didn’t just see the promise of the land from God, they also saw the people who lived there—who “appeared” to be in control. And when they saw those “in control,” they forgot the words God had spoken. They forgot that they were sent by God. And they forgot God’s heart for them.

They became so focused on what was currently in front of them that they lost perspective of what could be—of what God was making a way for. And they began to speak the opposite of the truth to each other, instead of the promise God had given them.

Reading this story made me ask myself, How often do I hear God’s voice over my students, staff, and even myself? And then become overwhelmed by what “appears” to be bigger than God and start listening to doubt and lies again?

I think as educators and believers, we need to ask ourselves honestly, What am I going to believe?

Are we going to believe what we see, or what God has spoken over our schools, staff, and families? Who will we listen to? As we navigate the complexities of life, will we remember that God’s promises are greater than any obstacle we face? What will we choose to believe, and how will that shape our actions today? Will we choose to see who seems to be in “authority,” or the Creator of the universe?

We have a choice.

Jesus, Help us to hear You and walk in the words You have spoken over our students, staff, and families. Help us to look past what seems to be so we can see the truth of what You already know. Help us choose to see You as we hold tight to Your promises because You are faithful. Amen.

Copyright Rebekah Hutchinson.

Rebekah is a Christian Educators member and a second-grade teacher in Vancouver, Washington.