Numbers 13 recounts the story the 12 spies who survey the land of Canaan. The purpose of their venture was not to see if the land could be taken. God had already declared that the land belonged to them. They were supposed to bring back a report of the location of cities and other information needed to devise a plan for possessing what God had given them.
But upon their return, out of the 12 spies that Moses sent out, only Joshua and Caleb truly believed what God had promised. All of the others came back with a report of unbelief. Because they failed to remember what God had done in the past, they were not looking ahead with the proper perspective. They only saw the obstacles.
These men had allowed their minds to wander from what they knew and had experienced with God. They had experienced God’s deliverance, yet they hesitated to put their confidence in Him. If they had only reflected on the times when God had caused them to conquer, they could have boldly entered into that land. Instead, they walked away, only to die in defeat outside of the Promised Land.
They missed out on God’s best for their lives. Why? Because they failed to remember and trust the God Who had delivered them before. “Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. They did not remember His power: the day when He redeemed them from the enemy…” (Psalm 78:41-42 NKJV).
The Lord had continually told His people to remember their miraculous deliverance from Egypt. In explaining the purpose and significance of the Passover, Moses stated, “It is a night of solemn observance to the Lord for bringing them out of the land of Egypt” (Exodus 12:42 NKJV).
Throughout Israel’s history, remembering God’s display of power by delivering His people has served as a source of hope and strength that rekindles confidence in God, even to this day. Psalm 105 was a reminder to Israel of the great works God had done for His people: “Remember His marvelous works which He has done…” (v. 5 NKJV).
Look back and reflect on the things that God has accomplished in your life. Let the inspiration it creates blossom into confidence for what lies ahead. When we look back on our own lives and remember how God has provided for us in the past, we can look ahead with confidence, knowing that if He did it once He will do it again and again.
The uncontrolled mind will always want to look back on the wrong things—the hardships and failures of the past. People who engage in such thinking allow the memory of past experiences to form an image in their minds as to what the future will hold: more of the same. They look back wishing and look forward wondering.
Our past failures don’t make us a failure today. Nor do our past successes make us a success today. It is what we determine to do now that will decide our destinies. If we will look back and see the good things God has done in our lives we can begin to look ahead with the right perspective.
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Vikki and Dennis began as youth pastors in 1973 in Southern California where they received tremendous insight into the work of the local church. In 1976, they moved to Ft. Worth, Texas, to work with Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Vikki worked with KCM for three years before entering full-time ministry with her husband. Since that time, their relationship and involvement with Kenneth Copeland Ministries has continued. Vikki and Dennis have had numerous articles published in the Believer's Voice of Victory magazine.
Vikki has spoken in several nations including Australia, Japan, and Canada. She has ministered on television, radio, in women's conferences and marriage seminars. Her desire is to see people raised to a higher level of living through the Word of God. By acting on Gods principles, Vikki has obtained a testimony of victory and imparts encouragement to others.
Throughout the years, Vikki and Dennis have pursued new avenues of reaching people. The Lord has continued to expand their vision. Their dedication has affected thousands as they are impacting God's people with the love of God.