Numbers 33:3

They departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the day after the Passover the children of Israel went out with boldness in the sight of all the Egyptians.

Numbers 33:3

God enacted ten plagues on Egypt to force Pharaoh to release the Israelite slaves, with the final plague culminating in the death of the firstborn animal and man in Egypt (Ex 7-12). God instituted the Passover so that this final plague would not afflict the homes of the Israelites. The very next day after this mighty act of God, the children departed Egypt with boldness. They had witnessed miracle upon miracle by God on their behalf and stepped out boldly because God had worked.

Fast forward to the Israelites at Kadesh Barnea, with God divinely protecting and leading Israel, when twelve spies are sent in to do reconnaissance on the promised land. Except for Joshua and Caleb, the spies bring a negative report motivated by fear. What happened to their boldness? Unlike Caleb and Joshua (Num 14:8), they had removed God from the equation. Sole reliance on human abilities severely limits what God can do in our lives; reliance on God opens endless possibilities for Him to work (Eph 3:20). 

Have you forgotten the miraculous gift of salvation in your life when God renewed your heart? Have you become comfortable in your walk and increasingly relied on your own power? If so, then recall the power that God has exhibited in your life, beginning with your salvation, and once again rely on His power working through you to accomplish His will.

Pastor Jeff Mericle