From Grasshoppers to Promised Land: Building Faith When the Giants Look Too Big

Brothers and sisters, if you’ve ever stood at the edge of something beautiful—a new calling, a challenging assignment, or even just the next week—and felt the sheer weight of what lies ahead, you know that feeling. It’s the feeling of looking out at a seemingly insurmountable challenge, and your first thought is, “How are we going to do this?”

It’s a feeling I know well. When I was first learning to navigate the complexities of the field, I felt like a collection of nervous, under-equipped individuals. We saw the promise, the incredible potential of the gospel, the 'milk and honey' of the restored covenant path. But when we looked at the opposition, the sheer strength of the resistance, we could easily shrink down to feeling like grasshoppers.

The account of the spies in Canaan is one of the most potent reminders of this struggle. The Lord had led His people from slavery to the very cusp of the promised land. Everything was provided for—the deliverance, the covenants, the divine direction. Yet, when they looked at the giants, they didn't see the Lord’s hand; they saw only the height of the enemy. Their report wasn't about what they saw; it was about what they *believed* they could accomplish on their own.

The Shift from Sight to Faith

The lesson for us, as disciples of Jesus Christ, is profound. The promised land isn't just the mansion waiting for us in the celestial kingdom; it’s the peace, the contentment, the joy, and the deep, abiding relationship with our Heavenly Father that is available to us *right now*. And what kept the Israelites from inheriting these blessings sooner? A lack of faith. It’s that simple, yet it requires everything we have to grasp.

We are not conquering the land for ourselves; we are showing up for the Lord to conquer it for us. We don't need impeccable strategy or enough manpower. We need faith. And that faith, my friends, is a muscle that needs exercise.

I highly recommend listening to the full episode of the podcast to hear more about this powerful lesson. As you listen, pay attention to how the narrative shifts from describing the threat to emphasizing the Lord’s provision.

A Practical Way to Build Faith

If the problem is a lack of faith, how do we build it? The podcast touches on a beautiful principle: strengthening faith by remembering and acknowledging the hand of the Lord in our lives. It’s a cycle: Remembering the Lord $ ightarrow$ Strengthening Faith $ ightarrow$ Accessing the Atonement’s Power.

For me, the most immediate tool I've found to deepen this is gratitude, especially when things feel uncertain or even difficult. When I’m struggling, I don't just list the nice things that happened today. I intentionally recall past moments—the times the Lord showed up for me, the times I felt overwhelmed but was guided through. By focusing on those past miracles and tender mercies, I find myself in a place of quiet assurance, a little taste of that promised peace, even if the immediate obstacle hasn't vanished.

Remember, you are not navigating this journey alone. You are showing up for Him. Keep recording those miracles, keep sharing those testimonies, and keep inviting others to see the land flowing with milk and honey through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Your Next Step on the Journey

If you are feeling the weight of the world's challenges right now, I invite you to join us for a weekly Disciple Challenge. It’s a low-pressure way to practice turning our focus from the giants before us to the consistent, miraculous hand of our Father. We’ll be working through some powerful scripture studies together. If you’re looking for deeper dives, check out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces—it’s a wonderful place to connect with other disciples who are also trying to build their faith muscle!