Numbers 13:27,28 “Thus they told him, and said, “We went in to the land where you sent us; and it certainly does flow with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. “Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there.” How do we respond to frightful things in our future? Part of it might be due to how it got there. If it’s a natural consequence to something dumb we’ve done, then most would agree that it’s deserved and we should take it. However, some things come into our paths by no fault of our own. These are tougher. We would like to cry fowl. We don’t deserve this. That may be so, but some things happen that way. This would be to play the victim. This is not good. This develops a sour, whiny attitude. This is very self centered. Why wouldn’t we get bad things on occassion. How do we deal with these seemingly unfair, bad events? Trust and grow. Proverbs 3:5,6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” God is directing our paths. Just like the Israelites, sometimes He allows difficulties to see if we’ll trust Him. We should praise Him. He’s is trying to teach us something. Go with it. We can see these as growth opportunities. Instead of dreading it and resisting, see what we can learn from the situation. The Israelites did not see how they were going to combat the descendants of Anak. These were almost storybook warriors. Yet, now they are about to face them. Part of them might think they they have had nothing to prepare them for this. However, their deliverance from Egypt was bigger. They learned that God will make up for any lack. Most of the time, they are to be in the battle. Yet, at times, God will take over. How does one go into battle with the Anakin? We do our best and pray for the outcome. We can get so overwhelmed with fear that we can’t function. We have to do our best, trust Him and praise Him. The praise is key. It demonstrates that we do trust Him. It raises us to a higher plane. Lord, this is quite a time for Your people. Give us courage and faith in these times.