One of the most well-known stories in the Old Testament is that of the spies going into the Promised Land. Ten of those spies came back with a negative report and two with a positive report. Numbers 14:24 tells us that “attitude” was the difference between the majority and minority reports from the spies who went into the Promised Land.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox wrote…
One ship sails East,
And another West,
By the self-same winds that blow,
‘Tis the set of the sails
And not the gales,
That tells the way we go.

We all experience things in life that frighten or intimidate us. The story of the spies can give us insight into how to face all of life’s challenges with courage. Here is some insight into the attitude of Joshua and Caleb, the two spies who returned from their mission with the positive report.

1. Have an expectant attitude that says, “God is able to get me through.”

Read Numbers 134:30 and discuss: What happens when we focus on opportunities instead of obstacles? Why is it important to remember God’s good track record of faithfulness when facing difficult situations?

2. Have a steadfast attitude that says, “My convictions are based on truth, not popularity.”

Read Numbers 14:10 and discuss: Are you willing to take a stand for what is right even if it means your decision will be unpopular and you will face opposition?

3. Have a dependent attitude that says, “I am ready to set aside my own agenda and respond to God’s call.”

Read Numbers 14:39-45 and discuss: Are you willing to trust God and wait on Him to act in His time?

4. Have a renewed attitude that says, “I will trust God to renew my mind regularly.”

Read Numbers 14:1-4 and discuss: Why do people not remember the names of the ten spies who gave the majority negative report? What is the danger of looking back and longing for “the good old days”?