I’m not really into sports, but I still play “armchair quarterback” more than I care to admit. An armchair quarterback, is one who talks a good game. They sound strong, confident, and sure of themselves. But when it comes to truly getting involved and into the game, they suddenly come up with reasons why they can’t. It’s not that they wouldn’t like to, it’s just that they allow the difficulties, obstacles, and risks to get between them and what they want.
This was the problem with ten of the twelve spies sent into Canaan, in Numbers chapter 13. They wanted the land and all it had to offer, but not badly enough to face the difficulties of getting it. They chose safety over success, comfort over contentment, and carefulness over conquering.
I’m ashamed to think of how many times I’ve done the same thing, and reaped the same results. There have been many times I have preferred the comfort zone over the promise land. When we go the way of the ten spies, our passionate pursuit of Christ becomes a predictable plodding toward comfort.
We say we want all God has for us, but when it comes down to facing the obstacles, are we willing to do it? Or, more appropriately, are we willing to let God do it?
Who will you be…Caleb or coward?