Perception is not always reality. 

When Moses sent out the twelve spies, they all saw the same land. Ten reported: “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we…There we saw the giants…and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:31–33).

However Caleb and Joshua’s report was: “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land…a land which flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them” (Numbers 14:7–9).

All twelve saw the same land but there were two perceptions. What made the difference? Fear.

Caleb and Joshua knew God would be with them so, they saw through the correct lens, the lens of faith. 

When Elijah ran away from Jezebel because she wanted to kill him, his perception was that he was the only prophet left who had not knelt before Baal. He feared for his life.

What was God’s response to him? “ Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel – all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him” (1Kings 19:18).

God Himself spoke to correct Elijah and to assure him that He always has a remnant of true believers.

Sometimes we all need a reminder to perceive the issues of our day through the correct lens.

Fear distorts. Faith corrects.

Sonia