What Happens If I Choose to Believe God?
Heart Happy
Audio By Carbonatix
I remember sitting on the edge of my bed as a young single mom, my heart heavy with shame and fear. I loved my little boy fiercely, but I felt like I had already failed him. Failed God. Failed myself.
I didn’t have evidence that my future would be redeemed. I didn’t have proof that my mistakes wouldn’t define me forever. What I had was a choice. Would I believe God? Not just believe in Him. Believe Him. And that decision changed everything.
Over the years, many people have introduced me as a bestselling author of more than 90 books, a speaker, a homeschooling mom of ten, and someone passionate about adoption and foster care. They talk about the novels, the nonfiction, the historical research, the podcasts, and the ministries I’ve launched. But what most people don’t see is this: everything in my life traces back to moments when I chose to believe God without visible evidence.
The Bible speaks about belief as more than just agreeing with facts. Biblical belief is trust, confidence, and active faith in God. Biblical belief is so real that it changes how we live. And that’s what happened to me.
What I Chose to Believe (Before I Had Proof)
There were things I didn’t have evidence for, but I chose to believe anyway. These beliefs changed everything from the inside out.
I chose to believe God loved me and forgave me.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:16 (NLT)
I was a pregnant teen when I told God, “I have screwed up my life big time. If you can do anything with my life, please do.” I didn’t feel lovable. I didn’t feel forgiven. But belief isn’t based on feelings—it’s based on truth.
Belief begins with trusting God.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” —Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)
Even though I was still a pregnant teen, I placed my weight on His Word instead of my shame. I chose to believe God would bring me a husband who loved me, loved my son. But mostly someone who loved God. There was no guarantee. No timeline. No visible path. But I believed God could write a better story than I could. And He did. John and I have been married for almost 36 years now. I’m so thankful.
I chose to believe God made me love “reading and story” for a purpose. He wanted to use it for His glory.
As a little girl, I loved books. Stories stirred something in my heart. Later, that love became writing. Today, people know me as an author of Christian fiction and nonfiction. Yet long before that title, there was simply a girl who loved words.
I believed that God wastes nothing—not even a love for story. And He has used those stories to point people to Him.
I chose to believe God wanted me to use my testimony—my failures, mistakes, and shame—to point others to hope.
It felt safer to stay quiet. Many times I prayed that God would let me hide in the shadows. But Scripture says: “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” —Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)
Faith is visible when we act.
“Faith without good deeds is dead.” —James 2:26 (NLT)
Sharing my story was an act of faith. And every time someone says, “Me too,” I see how God redeems broken places. And in the amazing what that God works, offering hope to others has brought healing to my own story.
I chose to believe the greatest way my family would grow in faith was to serve others. Foster care. Adoption. Opening our home. Loving the hard stories. It didn’t always make sense. It stretched us financially, emotionally, and spiritually. But belief requires the heart:
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” —Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT)
We found God most clearly when we were serving others. And for us this has been a daily decision. Yet we have a beautiful family to show for it.
I chose to believe I could honor others and history by listening to stories and sharing them.
Whether writing historical fiction or telling the stories of courageous women and men, I believe that stories matter. Listening is honoring. Sharing is stewarding. And when we honor stories, we honor the God who writes them.
I chose to believe caring for my family is a priority, and when I care for the people God gave me, He will take care of my work.
There were seasons when I stepped back from opportunities because my children needed me. It felt risky. But I believed that obedience brings provision.
“And it is impossible to please God without faith…” —Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)
God has always provided what was needed. He is never late. We are never lacking.
I chose to believe prayer can change everything, and praying with others lifts us all up.
I’ve seen prayer soften hearts, open doors, restore relationships, and bring peace in chaos. Sometimes my prayer has sounded like this father in Scripture:
“I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” —Mark 9:24 (NLT)
Belief grows in prayer, and sometimes the most loving thing we can do for someone is to say, “Can I pray for you?” and then do it.
I chose to believe we can see what God is doing and join Him in serving our family, community, and world—and He will provide our every need.
When God nudges, obedience often feels uncomfortable. But when we join Him, provision follows. Belief leads to action. And action leads to transformation.
I chose to believe that if God says in His Word to care for orphans and widows—He means it.
That belief reshaped our family. It expanded our table. It stretched our hearts. And it revealed God’s heart.
I chose to believe that helping others fulfill their calling is greater than lifting myself up.
There is deep joy in cheering others on. In mentoring. In encouraging. In opening doors. Belief shifts our focus from self to service.
I chose to believe the greatest education a child receives is by the side of a parent who loves them and sees their God-given gifts.
Homeschooling ten children wasn’t always easy. But I believed presence mattered more than perfection. Love shapes identity. And belief shapes legacy.
I chose to believe even when I couldn’t see the answer—God could.
So many times, I’ve stood in the middle of uncertainty. Deadlines. Health challenges. Parenting struggles. Ministry decisions. I couldn’t see the solution. But God could. And that’s the heart of belief.
What Happens When We Choose to Believe?
According to Scripture:
- Belief is trusting God fully.
- Belief in Jesus brings salvation (Romans 10:9).
- Real belief produces action (James 2:26).
- Belief involves the heart (Jeremiah 29:13).
- Faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6).
- Belief can grow (Mark 9:24).
- Belief changes your life.
Those who believe are:
- Children of God (John 1:12)
- Given new life (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- Guided by the Spirit (Romans 8:14)
- Anchored in hope (Romans 15:13)
At its core, biblical belief is this: Trusting God so deeply that it reshapes your life around Him.
When I look back, I see a single thread woven through every chapter of my life:
Not talent.
Not opportunity.
Not platform.
Belief.
I didn’t have evidence. But I had God’s Word. And when I chose to believe God, He wrote a story bigger and more beautiful than I ever could have imagined.
The question isn’t whether God is faithful. The question is: What happens if you choose to believe Him?
If you’re struggling to believe, here is a prayer for you. Prayers like this one have changed my life. I know they can change yours too.
A Prayer for When I Struggle to Believe
Father God, I come to You honestly today. I want to believe—but sometimes I struggle. Doubts creep in. Fear gets loud. Circumstances feel bigger than Your promises. So I pray the words of the desperate father who came to Jesus: “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” —Mark 9:24 (NLT)
Lord, help my unbelief. You tell me in Your Word:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” —Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)But sometimes my own understanding feels safer. It feels logical. It feels predictable. Teach me what it means to place my full weight on You instead.
Your Word says:
“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” —Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)Right now, I don’t see the evidence. I don’t see the outcome. I don’t see the answer. But You do.
When fear tells me I’m alone, remind me:
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” —John 3:16 (NLT)You loved me enough to send Jesus. That is proof of Your heart toward me.
When I wonder if You are pleased with me, remind me:
“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” —Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)I am seeking You now. Even in my doubt. Even in my weakness.
Your Word also says:
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” —Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT)So here is my heart, God. Not polished. Not perfect. But open.
Help me believe that:
- You love me.
- You forgive me.
- You are working even when I cannot see it.
- You are faithful to finish what You started in me.
- You are bigger than my circumstances.
Remind me that belief is not about feeling strong—it is about trusting a strong God. When my faith feels small, grow it. When my mind races, quiet it. When my heart is afraid, steady it.
Make me someone whose belief is alive and active:
“Faith without good deeds is dead.” —James 2:26 (NLT)Let my trust in You shape my choices, my words, my relationships, and my future.
I want to be counted among those who believe.
Those who are called Your children (John 1:12).
Those who are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Those who are guided by Your Spirit (Romans 8:14).
Those who overflow with hope (Romans 15:13).Even when I cannot see the answer, You can.
So today, I choose—again—to believe You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
If you are looking to dig deeper into what it means to walk by faith and trust God with your “unseen” future, here are four resources from Tricia Goyer that perfectly complement the journey of choosing to believe.
1. Heart Happy: Staying Centered in God’s Love Through Chaotic Circumstances
In her book Heart Happy, Tricia Goyer explores how to find true joy and peace by centering your life on God’s presence rather than your performance. It’s a practical guide for anyone who feels overwhelmed by life’s “visible” challenges and needs to reconnect with the “invisible” truth of God’s love.
“Joy is not a requirement for faith, but it is often the fruit of believing God is who He says He is” (Heart Happy, 2021).
2. Walk It Out: The Radical Result of Living God’s Word One Step at a Time
This resource is the “action plan” for the blog post above. In Walk it Out, Tricia shares her personal journey from “head knowledge” of God to “heart obedience.” It focuses on how our lives change when we stop just reading the Bible and start actually doing what it says.
“The biggest steps of faith usually happen in the smallest moments of daily obedience” (Walk It Out, 2017).
3. The Grumble-Free Year: Twelve Months, Eleven Family Members, and One Impossible Goal
Choosing to believe God often starts in our homes and our attitudes. In The Grumble-Free Year, Tricia’s family’s journey to trade complaining for thankfulness. It’s a powerful look at how believing in God’s provision can transform the atmosphere of a household.
“When we stop grumbling about what we see, we start seeing what God is doing” (The Grumble-Free Year, 2019).
4. Calming Angry Kids: Help and Hope for Parents in the Whirlwind
Slammed doors. Hurting hearts. Tricia Goyer knows what it’s like to parent children with chronic anger. In Calming Angry Kids, Goyer draws on her own experience to help readers
- understand what’s going on in a child’s brain
- focus on relationship over rules
- teach a child how to handle frustrations without outbursts
- control how they express their own anger
- establish a standard of respect in the home
Including reflection questions and action steps at the end of each chapter, Calming Angry Kids shows weary parents that peace in their home is within reach.
“Peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of a Savior we have chosen to trust” (Calming Angry Hearts, 2019).
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Weekly readings for the Daily Bible Podcast with Tricia and Michelle
March 2
Numbers 11-13
Overcoming Grumbling with Grace
In our journey through the Bible, we often encounter narratives that mirror our own life experiences, teaching us timeless lessons about human nature and divine grace. Our recent exploration in the Daily Bible Podcast has brought us to a poignant moment in the wilderness where the Israelites, despite witnessing miraculous provisions and deliverance, fall into a pattern of grumbling and complaining. This episode reflects their struggles and offers us a mirror to examine our responses to challenges and God’s provisions.
The Echoes of Grumbling
The story begins with the Israelites’ dissatisfaction with manna, the very sustenance provided by God. Their longing for the “good things” of Egypt, despite its bondage, illustrates a common human tendency to romanticize the past when faced with present difficulties. The grumbling quickly spreads, highlighting how easily discontent can infect a community, leading even Moses to despair under the weight of his leadership.
Divine Intervention and Human Response
In response to the grumbling, God provides quail, but not without a reminder of His power and a warning against doubting His provision. The appointment of 70 leaders to share Moses’ burden signifies God’s understanding of human limits and His provision for communal support and leadership.
Yet, the story of Caleb amidst the exploration of Canaan stands out. Faced with the same challenges and giants as the others, Caleb’s response is markedly different. His faith in God’s promise leads him to declare, “We can certainly conquer it!” This contrasts sharply with the fear and defeatism that paralyzes the others.
Word of the Day: Grumble
Definition: To complain about something in a bad-tempered way.
Grumbling, as seen in this narrative, is not just a vocal expression of dissatisfaction but a contagion that can demoralize and derail a community’s progress. It stems from unrealistic expectations and a forgetfulness of past victories and divine faithfulness. Our personal story of attempting to live a year without grumbling in a household of 11 mirrors this biblical truth. Like the Israelites, we learned that our grumbling often lies in our unrealistic expectations and a lack of trust in God’s provision.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The turning point for us, as for Moses and the Israelites, came with the recognition that overcoming grumbling and living in gratitude is impossible through sheer willpower or human effort. It requires a dependence on the Holy Spirit. The fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are the antithesis of a grumbling spirit. These qualities are not self-generated but are the outpouring of God’s Spirit working within us.
Applying the Wilderness Lessons
This narrative invites us to reflect on our responses to God’s provisions and our challenges. Do we grumble, looking back to Egypt, or do we, like Caleb, move forward in faith, confident in God’s promises? The journey through the wilderness teaches us that overcoming grumbling is not about ignoring difficulties but about trusting in God’s provision and focusing on His faithfulness.
As we continue exploring the Bible, let these lessons remind us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and trust, relying on the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds. Join us on the Daily Bible Podcast as we delve deeper into the riches of God’s Word, discovering how its ancient wisdom can guide us in our modern lives.
Grumbling may be a natural human reaction to uncertainty and challenges, but with faith, community, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome this tendency and live a life marked by gratitude and trust in God’s promises.
March 3
Numbers 14-15
Trusting God Beyond the Giants
In our spiritual journey, just as in the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness, we are constantly faced with decisions that test our trust in God. Yesterday’s reading on the Daily Bible Podcast brought us to a pivotal moment: the report of the twelve spies sent to explore Canaan. Their return with a cluster of grapes so large it needed two men to carry it confirmed the land’s richness. However, the focus quickly shifted to the giants inhabiting the land, overshadowing God’s promise with fear and doubt.
The Decision to Focus on Giants
The Israelites’ reaction to the spies’ report is a stark reminder of how easy it is to focus on the obstacles in our path rather than on the God who guides us. Their cry to return to Egypt, a place of bondage, rather than face the challenges ahead, reflects a common human impulse to retreat to familiar grounds when faced with uncertainty.
Divine Decisions and Intercession
God’s response to the Israelites’ lack of faith is both severe and merciful. While He decides to punish the generation that doubted His promise with 40 years of wandering, He also shows grace through Moses’ intercession, sparing the nation from immediate destruction. This duality of justice and mercy is a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, reminding us of the consequences of our decisions and the power of intercessory prayer.
The Importance of Remembering
The instruction for the Israelites to wear tassels as a reminder to obey God’s commands highlights the human tendency to forget. Just as the Israelites needed a physical reminder of their covenant with God, we too need constant reminders of His faithfulness and promises. In a world filled with distractions, the call to remember is as relevant today as it was then.
Word of the Day: Decided
Definition: having clear opinions; resolute.
The narratives of Caleb and Joshua, who decided to trust in God’s promise despite the giants, contrast sharply with the fear that paralyzed their counterparts. Their decision to believe in God’s ability to deliver His people into the Promised Land is a powerful testament to the importance of faith over fear.
Learning from the Wilderness
The wilderness journey teaches us that our decisions—whether to focus on the giants in our path or to trust in God’s promises—have profound implications on our trajectory. Trusting God requires us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and to remember His past faithfulness.
The wilderness journey of the Israelites serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey, teaching us the importance of decision-making, trust, and remembrance. As we face our giants, may we choose to remember God’s past deliverances and to trust in His future promises.
March 4
Numbers 16-18
Rebellion and Responsibility
The account of Korah’s rebellion against Moses stands out as a poignant reminder of the dangers of pride, the virtue of humility, and the importance of honoring God’s chosen leaders. This episode, detailed in the book of Numbers, not only recounts a dramatic confrontation but also offers timeless lessons on leadership, divine justice, and the human tendency to grumble against God’s providential care.
The story begins with Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan, Abiram, and others, challenging Moses’ leadership and, by extension, God’s authority. They questioned why Moses and Aaron held special leadership positions, seemingly unaware or dismissive of the fact that God had appointed them. Moses’ response to this challenge was not anger or pride but a humble submission to God’s will, saying, “Tomorrow morning the Lord will show us who belongs to him.”
As I reflect on Moses’ reaction, I’m struck by his patience and compassion towards those questioning his leadership. Despite the gravity of their rebellion, Moses still hoped for their understanding, reminding them of their special status as God’s chosen people. This moment highlights a critical lesson for us: in leadership and life, humility and patience in the face of criticism reflect a deep trust in God’s sovereignty.
The subsequent divine judgment was swift and severe, with the earth swallowing the rebels and a fire consuming the 250 men offering incense. This stark outcome is a vivid reminder of the seriousness with which God views rebellion against His ordained order. Yet, in the midst of judgment, Moses’ and Aaron’s intercession for the people showcases the heart of true leadership – a willingness to plead before God on behalf of those under their care, even when facing criticism and rebellion.
The aftermath of the rebellion and the miraculous sign of Aaron’s budding staff further cemented God’s leadership choice and served as a divine stop to the murmuring and discontent among the Israelites. Yet, the narrative also reveals a persistent human flaw: the tendency to grumble and rebel, often forgetting the blessings and provisions of God.
Word of the day: Honor
Definition: adherence to what is right or to a conventional standard of conduct.
In today’s context, the story of Korah’s rebellion is a powerful call to honor and support those whom God has placed in leadership, particularly in our spiritual communities. It reminds us that criticism and rebellion against God’s appointed leaders dishonor God and can lead to division and distress within the community.
So, how can we support and honor our spiritual leaders? Like Moses and Aaron, many leaders serve with a heart for God and His people, often at great personal cost. My father-in-law’s dedication to sharing the gospel, despite financial hardships, exemplifies the sacrificial service many leaders undertake. It challenges us to ask how we might support those who have dedicated their lives to serving God and His people. Could we, perhaps, provide more generously to ensure their needs and those of their families are met?
The rebellion of Korah and its aftermath teach us valuable lessons about humility, divine authority, and the importance of honoring leadership. Let us remember to uphold and support our spiritual leaders, recognizing that in doing so, we honor God Himself. This act of honor, rooted in love and respect, not only strengthens our communities but also aligns our hearts with God’s will, reminding us of the profound truth that to serve and honor God’s servants is to serve and honor God.
March 5
Numbers 19-21
Rebellion, Discipline, and God’s Love
We find ourselves still in the wilderness with Moses leading the Israelites. The journey has been eventful, with the construction of the Tabernacle, a census, and plenty of complaints from the people. In Numbers 19, the focus is on purification and the consequences of defilement. God’s command regarding the water of purification sets a tone for the seriousness of sin and the need for cleansing.
Moving forward, we witness Moses and Aaron’s unwavering faith and humility when faced with the rebellious nature of the Israelites. Even in moments of frustration, they turn to God, falling face down before the Tabernacle. However, a moment of disobedience costs Moses and Aaron their entry into the Promised Land.
Amidst the challenges, victories arise, and we see the Israelites overcoming obstacles, including the refusal of passage by Edom and the passing of leadership from Aaron to his son Eleazar. The chapter ends on a positive note, with the people singing praises as they travel.
Word of the Day: Rebellion
Definition: the action or process of resisting authority, control, or convention.
Rebellion surfaces throughout the reading—whether in Moses striking the rock, the Israelites’ complaints, or King Sihon’s opposition. This term’s application provides insight into the human tendency to resist authority.
How does this apply to us?
1. Purpose in Discipline:
The various trials faced by the Israelites, including plagues, ground openings, and even poisonous snakes, all serve a purpose—to turn the people back to God. Dolly Parton’s song Don’t Make Me Come Down There reflects the same sentiment, reminding us that God disciplines out of love, guiding us toward the right path. God disciplines out of love.
2. Zealous Repentance:
Revelation 3:19-20 reinforces the concept of discipline rooted in love. As God reproves and disciplines those He loves, His desire is for us to be zealous and repentant. Just as a parent disciplines a child for their betterment, God desires our repentance and a restored relationship with Him. “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent,” God says.
As we wrap up today’s episode, we encourage you to delve into the Word and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Until next time, stay tuned, stay blessed, and remember to let God’s love guide you through each day.
March 6
Numbers 22-24
Talking Donkeys
Balak, fearing the might of the Israelites, summons Balaam to curse them. The journey is filled with divine intervention, a talking donkey, and the unexpected twist of Balaam blessing the Israelites instead. Numbers 23:19 reminds us of God’s unwavering nature: “God is not a man, so he does not lie…Has he ever spoken and failed to act?”
The Unexpected Lessons
While we’ve all heard about the talking donkey, let’s delve into some personal takeaways:
God Speaks to All: God used Balaam, a non-Israelite diviner, to convey His message. It’s a reminder that God speaks to everyone, not just the mighty heroes in the Bible.
Animals and Non-Israelite Prophets: This story is significant as it showcases a talking donkey and a diviner speaking God’s words—elements not commonly seen in the Bible.
Prophecy and Connections: Numbers 24:17
A beautiful prophecy unfolds in Numbers 24:17: “A star will rise from Jacob, a scepter will emerge from Israel.” This prophecy echoes themes found in Genesis 3:15 and Romans 16:20, showcasing God’s promise to crush the enemy.
Word of the Day: Speak
Definition: to say something in order to convey information, an opinion, or a feeling.
Today’s word resonates as God communicates through a donkey and a non-Israelite prophet. It prompts us to consider how God uses unexpected messengers to convey His truth.
Speaking God’s Words
Diverse Messengers: God speaks through diverse channels—animals, non-Israelite prophets, and even talking donkeys. Reflect on how God might be communicating with you today.
Speaking Blessings: Despite the unusual circumstances, God used a diviner to bless His people. Consider the impact of speaking God’s words into the lives of those around you.
Claiming Victory Through Spoken Words
As we unravel the narrative, we witness God’s promise of victory over Satan and death. Numbers 24:17 aligns with the triumph declared in Romans 16:20 and Isaiah 25:8. The word “speak” resonates with the assurance that everything God utters will be fulfilled.
Let’s ponder our words. Just as Balaam spoke God’s truth, consider how you can use your words today. Whether teaching a child, encouraging a friend, or speaking the truth in various relationships, your words have the power to convey God’s love and wisdom.
March 7
Numbers 25-26
Counting God’s People
Welcome back, fellow Bible enthusiasts, to another captivating Daily Bible Podcast blog installment! Today, we embark on a thrilling journey through Numbers 25-26, uncovering profound insights, thought-provoking reflections, and timeless truths that resonate with our lives today.
Numbers 25: A Tale of Devotion and Consequence
In Numbers 25, we encounter a sobering narrative of the Israelites’ moral decline as they succumb to the allure of idolatry and immorality. God’s righteous anger is kindled, leading to devastating consequences. However, one man stands out amidst the chaos: Phinehas, whose zealous action brings atonement and earns him a perpetual priesthood. This gripping account underscores the transformative power of zeal in purifying God’s people and averting disaster.
Numbers 26: Counting, Identity, and Divine Purpose
Transitioning to Numbers 26, we witness the meticulous counting of the Israelites, a testament to God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The census not only enumerates the tribes and their military strength but also highlights the significance of lineage and heritage. Special attention is given to Moses’ family, Aaron, Miriam, and the descendants of Levi, illuminating their unique role in God’s plan.
Reflections on Compromise, Holiness, and God’s Zeal
We reflect on the dangers of compromise and the importance of holiness and draw parallels between the Israelites’ temptation to intermingle with foreign cultures and our modern-day struggles with maintaining spiritual purity. We are reminded that God has called us to be set apart and live lives that honor Him.
Exploring the Significance of Names and Lineage
The enumeration of women in the census reports sparks curiosity about their stories and significance. Our ponderings on the named women prompt us to delve deeper into their identities and roles within the community. Additionally, mentioning Zelophehad’s daughters foreshadows their future significance, inviting anticipation for the unfolding narrative.
Word of the Day: Zeal
Definition: an eager pursuit marked by determination, devotion, and diligence.
Zeal becomes a recurring theme in the narratives of Phinehas, Moses’ family, and the Israelites.
Living a Life of Zeal
We look at the applications of zeal, linking it to the blessings bestowed upon biblical figures like Caleb, Joshua, and Phinehas. Through reflection, we are encouraged to emulate their fervent pursuit of God and wholehearted devotion to His commands. As recipients of God’s zeal, we are called to reciprocate His love and live lives that glorify Him.
Let us be inspired by the examples of zeal displayed by Phinehas, Caleb, and Joshua. May we, too, embrace a life of passion, determination, and devotion in our pursuit of God. Join us next time for more enriching insights from the Daily Bible Podcast. Until then, may your hearts burn with zeal for the Lord!
March 8
Numbers 27-29
Leadership Transitions
Welcome back, avid readers of the Daily Bible Podcast blog! Today’s expedition takes us through Numbers 27, a captivating passage delving into leadership transitions, divine inheritance, and a profound call to commission.
Passing the Mantle
In Numbers 27, we witness a pivotal moment as the daughters of Zelophehad, facing a unique circumstance, courageously approach Moses with a request to inherit their father’s property. God, in response to their plea, establishes a groundbreaking precedent for inheritance laws. Moreover, in a poignant twist, God reveals to Moses that his time is drawing to a close, and Joshua is appointed as his successor.
The remarkable aspect here is Moses’s selflessness. Despite his challenges in leading the Israelites, he earnestly prayed for a capable leader to guide the community. God, acknowledging Joshua’s spirit, instructs Moses to commission him publicly, symbolically passing on authority and wisdom. This demonstrates Moses’s dedication to the welfare of the people even in his final moments of leadership.
Sacrifices, Offerings, and a Fragrant Aroma
Numbers 28–29 unfold with detailed descriptions of various offerings and sacrifices. While these regulations may seem intricate, it’s crucial to remember their essence: expressions of gratitude, acknowledging God’s goodness, and affirming faithfulness. The offerings were presented as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, a reminder of the reciprocal relationship between God and His people.
The Daughters of Zelophehad: Women in God’s Plan
The narrative of Zelophehad’s daughters provides a unique perspective, emphasizing the significance of women in God’s plan. Their legitimate concerns led to the establishment of a new law ensuring the inheritance for daughters when no sons were present. This highlights that God’s concern for and provision extends to all, regardless of gender.
Word of the Day: Commissioned
Definition: order or authorize (a person or organization) to do or produce something.
We recognize today’s word in the context of God’s commands and charges to His people. In Hebrew, it translates to laying a charge, giving charge, commanding, or ordering.
Living a Commissioned Life
Reflecting on the commissions and commands throughout Genesis to Numbers, we observe a recurring theme of leaders being chosen by God, equipped with His Spirit. The responsibility of those with God’s Spirit is to listen and obey. This prompts us to ponder our individual commissions – what work God has called us to, who we are called to lead, and how we depend on God’s Spirit.
God’s commission is diverse and individualized. It may involve being a missionary, a parent, a professional, or someone with a unique skill set. Whether it’s engaging in conversations to plant seeds of faith or fulfilling a role within a family, each person is commissioned by God to play a part in His grand narrative.
