When we Miss the Flight | Numbers 13-17 – DFBC

When we Miss the Flight | Numbers 13-17

Dr. Miguel Lopez

October 5, 2025

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Have you ever missed a flight? You can beg the airline personnel but once that door closes it will not open for you even if you beg. You have missed the flight. In Numbers 13-17, the Exodus generation is given a chance to inherit the promised land but they miss their opportunity due to their unbelief. As a result, they are sentenced to die in the desert and to wander in circles for 40 years. In the desert, unbelief turns to mutiny and rebellion but in spite of this. God continues to be faithful working on behalf of those who often resist his grace. How will you respond to God when he gives you a chance to inherit his promises? Will you miss the flight?

What does God expect from his people when he opens the doors of opportunity to inherit his promises?

When God opens the doors of opportunity, God expects his people to…

Completely rely on his promises, not their perception of circumstances, in their pursuit of God’s life-giving future: Will we walk by faith or by sight? (Numbers 13, cf. Dt 1:22-23).
1. Whose will be done? The clouding of God’s will when his word is not the sole foundation of our faith.
2. The distortion of reality when we walk by sight: unbelief that leads to fear and fear that leads to rebellion and rebellion that leads to judgment.
Courageously and prayerfully confront unbelief and rebellion with obedient submission to the Lord (Numbers 14).
1. The boomerang effect of rebellion: when God resists the proud.
2. Courageous and prayerful submission: God’s purpose will prevail and he will preserve the persevering faith of the saints.

Faith obeys God and receives his promises; fear rebels and forfeits his blessings. Defeat the fear of this world with faith in God’s word.

How is God’s word challenging you to grow in your pursuit of God’s life-giving future? If there is anything discouraging you from taking a leap of faith to pursue God’s calling, ask the Lord to give you the courage to trust him and take your next step!
What fears are paralyzing you in your journey to maturity in Christ? If God is calling you, do not waste the opportunity. When the Lord closes the door, it will be too late.

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