A Perception Problem

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A PERCEPTION PROBLEM
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Glynnis Shryock 

Numbers 13:26-33

1.  Perception Problems: for ten of the spies, their perception of God and the situation is distorted. 

  • Perception: a result of observation, a mental image or concept. To perceive is to attain awareness or understanding.    

Perception is our way of understanding life around us.

  • Fear magnifies what should be inconsequential.  Spiritual perception can be distorted by fear.

 2.  A Different Perception:    

Numbers 13:30; Numbers 14:6-9

  • Joshua and Caleb viewed the situation through the lens of faith.  (Hebrews 11:1) 
  • Their spiritual perception brought God’s power, provision, and promise near to them and to their situation. 

3.  Bad News Travels Fast: “The People Rebel”  

Numbers 14:30-32; Numbers 14:41-45 

  •  Israel’s perception problem just became a presumption problem.

 4.  Where do we think we can do a point-counter-point with God over His direct instruction?

  •  The character and nature of God is expressed in one of the paramount messages of Scripture:       “I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD.”
  • El Shaddai  - God all sufficient
  • Jehovah-Nissi - The Lord our Banner
  • Jehovah-Shalom - The Lord our Peace
  • Jehovah-Adonai - The Lord our Sovereign
  • Jehovah-Jireh - The Lord our Provider
  • Jehovah-Rapha - The Lord our Healer
  • Jehovah-Shammah - The Lord is Present
  • Yahweh  - The Great I AM
  • A key truth: God does not exist for our benefit,  but rather we exist to reflect His glory.

5.  A Matter of Choice: Our relationship with God is a choice; we must intentionally align ourselves with Him.  We can choose to build our faith!   

  • Conviction leads you back to God; condemnation leads you away from God.
  • If you have a perception problem today, maybe it’s time for you to take time.
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