“They gave Moses this account. ‘We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is the fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large.” Numbers 13:27-28

 God’s people were promised a new land and while they saw the beauty of the land, yet they quickly moved to fear. 

 When we face things, which we don’t know or can’t see concretely, perhaps obstacles that stand in our way, fear can rise very quickly. Everything that can go wrong begins to flash in front of us.  We can so quickly see all that looks impossible, hurdles that are too big to navigate.

 For me, sometimes I will be wise and go straight to prayer and truly give it over to God before it gets to the fear factor. Most often though, I stress and try to figure out how I am going to deal with whatever is before me. 

 We have a guardian dog, named Penny.  She has been due to go into heat right when I have a 5-day commitment to speak at a camp. I kept picturing Penny going into heat and me trying to get her to the vet to be bred, which I hear is like 4 visits, and then driving back to camp, speaking, and doing this all over again. My stress level rises just typing this out! 

 Well, I have never prayed for a dog to go into heat at a good time - a time that works well for me, but I did this time. Guess what? She went into heat a few days ago. She is about 4 weeks early. The timing works SO much better! To make things even better, the breeder said we will wait until the next time as Penny is not 2 years old yet! Such relief.

 My point is, some of you may roll your eyes that I would pray about such a small thing while being surrounded by much greater suffering and stress’ of people very dear to me. Here is the truth, even these small issues matter to God. He invites all of us to be anxious for nothing (Phil. 4:6) which includes the big stuff and the small stuff. 

 The Israelites forgot that God was giving them the land in the story of Numbers 13. In Isaiah 55:11 it says, “It is the same with my word, I send it out and it always produces fruit. I it will accomplish all I want it to and will prosper where I send it.” 

 God says He is with us, and He is. He promises us He is big enough and cares for what is keeping us awake at night. Take your cares and worries to God today. He loves you and sees you. What you are dealing with today is not a surprise for Him and it is not too hard for Him. 

 Dear Father,

 Thank you we are invited to bring any burden to you no matter how big or small.. You are not surprised by it, and you do not roll your eyes. You receive our burdens and will lead us and take care of the deta. Thank you for your presence.

 In Jesus Name,

 Amen