Numbers 11–14; 20–24; 27: Lesson 56

Numbers 11–14

Choosing Faith over Fear

Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.

Sometimes it can be difficult to move forward with faith instead of fear. The children of Israel faced that challenge. After they journeyed in the wilderness, the Lord led the Israelites to the border of the promised land. The Lord instructed Moses to send 12 men into the land and have them bring back a report of the land and its inhabitants. Most of the 12 were afraid about the prospect of conquering the promised land, but Caleb and Joshua had faith that the Lord would help them. This lesson can help you view your challenges with faith in Jesus Christ.

Study the Scriptures

How do you feel when you think about the following things?

1. A big test or school project

2. Repentance

3. The future

4. Sharing the gospel

Is there a way to view situations with faith even if they seem scary? How would you do it?

Continue to ponder these questions as you study today. Invite the Holy Ghost into your learning as you think about how to view your challenges with greater faith in Jesus Christ.

After the children of Israel traveled in the wilderness, the Lord brought them to the border of the promised land. It was the land of Canaan. The Lord told them they would need to conquer the land. The Lord instructed Moses to select one member from each of the twelve tribes. These men were commanded to inspect the land and bring back a report of what they found. After investigating the land, the 12 men returned. They reported and showed fruit from the land (see Numbers 13:1–25). While these men saw similar things, they had different feelings about what they saw.

Read Numbers 13:25–32; 14:1–9. In two different ways, mark expressions of fear and faith from the people in the story. (Note: During Old Testament times, people who were mourning rent or tore their clothes.)

What did these different people focus on? How did that affect whether they had faith or fear? What previous experiences did the children of Israel have where they chose to rely on the Lord?

Elder Kevin R. Duncan of the Seventy explained something we can learn from the experience of the children of Israel in Numbers 13–14:

Just like the children of Israel, we face formidable obstacles. … It isn’t wrong for us to recognize those obstacles. But it is important that we face them with faith. …

… Each challenge and each obstacle we face is an opportunity to choose, as did Joshua and Caleb, to rely on the Lord. “Rebel not … , neither fear” (Numbers 14:9) was good counsel for the children of Israel, and it is still good counsel for each of us today. (“Rebel Not, Neither Fear,” Liahona, Apr. 2022, 47)

Respond to one or more of the following questions in your notebook:

• What do you think it means to act with faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ when we face challenges?

• How do rebellion and fear keep us from progressing?

Despite the many miracles the Lord had provided and the testimony of Caleb and Joshua, the Israelites continued to murmur. As a result, the Lord declared that because of their murmuring and doubt, the great majority of the adult Israelites would not be allowed to enter the promised land (see Numbers 14:26–39). Because of their faith in Jesus Christ, Joshua and Caleb were told they would one day enter the promised land.

Review the following study options. Complete one or more.

Option A

What do I know about God that can help me face challenges with faith?

Joshua and Caleb’s knowledge of the Lord must have strengthened their faith that whatever He required would be possible.

Read two or more of the following passages. Tag each passage as “faith.” Pay attention to how God wants to help you.

• Matthew 19:26

• Philippians 4:13

• 1 Nephi 3:7

• Ether 12:27

In your notebook, list things you know about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that give you confidence They will help you through difficult circumstances.

On a separate piece of paper, consider writing down a scripture you read. Or compose a statement that inspires confidence in the Lord. Place the paper where you will frequently see it.

Option B

How can Jesus Christ help me face my fears and worries with faith?

Like the children of Israel, you will face obstacles in life that cause fear. This happens to everyone. But you can choose to exercise faith in the Lord. Take a few minutes to practice looking at challenging situations and replacing a fear-based statement with a faith-based statement.

Here is an example:

• Challenge: Tanner is afraid to speak in public.

• Fear-based thought: “I can’t speak in front of others because I always nervously mix up my words.”

• Faith-based thought: “Public speaking is scary, but I believe the Lord can give me courage and strength to do it.”

Notice how including the Lord can inspire faith.

In your notebook, write two or three challenges you face. For each challenge, write a fear-based statement and a faith-based statement. Be sure to include the Lord in the faith-based statement.

Share Your Thoughts

Lesson Purpose: To help you view your challenges with faith in Jesus Christ.

Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

• Your list of things about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that give you confidence in Them.

• A couple of the challenges you identified and the fear- and faith-based statements you wrote.

• Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

• Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?