One of the saddest accounts in the Bible is recorded in the Old Testament book of Numbers (chapters 13–14). It’s the story of the Israelites who had previously been miraculously delivered from a life of backbreaking slave labor in Egypt.

This generation had witnessed the 10 plagues in Egypt and God parting the Red Sea (Exodus 7–14). For nearly 2 years, they journeyed through the wilderness following a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. And every day God caused manna and quail to fall from the sky (Exodus 16). He even kept their clothes from wearing out as they endured the elements and strain of desert life (Deuteronomy 8:4).

That’s impressive!

And now, as we tune into Numbers 13, we see that God finally had His people on the verge of conquering the Promised Land—and they wouldn’t do it. Outside of Caleb and Joshua, the leaders refused to step up to the challenge. They said that the Canaanites were too big and powerful. They told the people they were like “giants” and referred to themselves as “grasshoppers” (vv.31-33).

As a result, God made them wander aimlessly around the wilderness for 38 years (within a few miles of their God-given destiny) until their generation died off. How tragic! God had rescued them and led them to a new life in a new land. But they refused to take a risk with Him.

If there is one thing that the stories of the Bible tell us again and again, it is this: Following the God of the universe into the purpose of our lives always involves meaningful levels of risk (Joshua 1:6-9).

Taking a bold and gutsy risk is not the absence of faith. Sometimes it’s an expression of our faith in Him.