Egypt to Canaan (Pt. 15): Facts, Lies and Truth
Scriptural Anchors:
We see in Numbers 13–14 that hardship is not proof of God’s absence. Israel faced the Red Sea, famine, drought, and giants not because they were outside God’s will but because God Himself led them into situations that required faith. Difficult circumstances are unavoidable in life. Whether we walk rightly or wrongly, whether the enemy opposes us or life simply happens, challenges remain part of our journey.
Often the size of our calling or vision creates a collision course with resistance. Just as a weightlifter cannot begin with a thousand pounds, our faith must be strengthened through progressive obstacles. Every difficulty becomes a reference point of God’s faithfulness. David could confront Goliath because he had already fought the lion and the bear. Likewise, our victories—especially our salvation—become anchors for future battles. Obstacles are not designed to destroy us but to build us and prepare us for what God has promised.
Separating Facts, Lies, and Truth
When the twelve spies returned from Canaan, all of them saw the same facts: the land flowed with milk and honey, the cities were fortified, the people were strong, and giants lived there. Faith never denies facts. These observations were real, natural, and valid.
But the ten spies moved beyond facts into lies—conclusions drawn from facts but contrary to God’s word. They said, “We are not able,” “The land devours its inhabitants,” “All the people are giants,” “We are grasshoppers,” and “We would have been better off in Egypt.” These were not divine verdicts; they were distortions born out of fear. Lies exaggerate, escalate, and ultimately paralyze.
Caleb and Joshua, however, spoke truth—God’s perspective. They declared, “We are well able,” “The land is exceedingly good,” “Their protection has departed,” and “The Lord is with us.” Truth is the spiritual reality of any matter, not determined by what is seen but by what God has spoken. Let God be true, and every man a liar. Truth aligns us with God’s promises even when facts seem intimidating.
The Power of Words and the Condition of the Heart
Scripture teaches that our words carry legal weight in the spirit. Lies—spoken conclusions that oppose God’s truth—become points of agreement with the enemy, who is the father of lies. Just as two cannot walk together unless they agree, spoken unbelief gives the adversary something to enforce. Many believers lose spiritual battles not because of prayerlessness but because their words contradict their prayers. Our lives inevitably follow the direction of our speech.
Jesus taught that mountains move not by prayer alone but by what we say and believe in our hearts. Our mouths reveal what fills our hearts, for no one can tame the tongue without first transforming the inner life. Therefore, we must fill our hearts with the Word until truth is the overflow. Only then can our speech consistently align with God’s perspective. Fruitful words come from a heart saturated with God’s promises.
As Israel demonstrated, our own words can override even the will of God for our lives. Though God swore to give them the land, He also swore they would not enter because of what they declared. Death and life remain in the power of the tongue, and those who love it eat its fruit.
Living by Truth Amid Facts and Lies
Every challenge we face requires this threefold examination: What are the facts? What are the lies? What is the truth? We acknowledge facts, reject lies, and speak truth. Facts inform us; truth governs us. Facts are natural; truth is spiritual. Facts apply to all; truth is personal—rooted in God’s promises to us.
Even as we face corporate challenges, including the sacrificial project before us, we refuse the lie of impossibility. The truth is that God provides, God strengthens, and God finishes what He begins. Let God be true. Let every contrary voice be a lie.