Scripture Reading:

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” — Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

“Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.’” — Numbers 13:30 (NIV)

Devotional Thought:

When we say someone has backbone, we mean they have courage, strength, and resilience. The backbone gives the body posture and support—without it, we collapse. Spiritually, the same is true. Without a backbone of faith, we crumble when fear or pressure comes.

In Numbers 13, twelve spies explored the Promised Land. All saw the same land, but not through the same eyes. Ten spies saw giants and fortified cities; two saw promise and opportunity. Caleb said, “We can certainly do it!” The difference wasn’t the facts—it was faith’s filter.

The spine of faith begins with vision. Fear magnifies the obstacle; faith magnifies God’s opportunity. The ten saw giants and shrank; Joshua and Caleb saw God and stood tall.

Then, faith must have strength. The ten spies spread fear because they lost sight of God’s greatness. They said, “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes.” When we lose sight of who God is, we reduce ourselves. But when God is big in our vision, giants shrink in comparison.

Finally, faith must have a voice. Joshua and Caleb declared, “The Lord is with us—do not be afraid!” Faith that stays silent is incomplete. When fear speaks loudly, faith must speak louder. The world doesn’t need a spineless church—it needs believers with backbone. Faith that sees through God’s eyes, stands in His strength, and speaks with His conviction.

Jesus is our ultimate example. He is the greater Joshua—the One who stood firm when all others bowed. Because He stood at the cross, we can now stand in faith.

Reflection Questions:

1. What giants in your life are you currently magnifying more than God?
2. In what area do you need to stand firm instead of bowing to fear?
3. How can your words this week reflect faith instead of fear?
4. What does having a “spine of faith” look like in your home, work, or relationships?

Prayer:

Father, thank You for being the foundation and strength of my faith. When I’m tempted to focus on the giants, help me to see through Your eyes. When fear rises, remind me that You are greater. Give me courage to stand firm and speak boldly, knowing that You are with me. Strengthen my spiritual backbone so I can live unshaken in a shaking world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Step:

Identify one “giant” in your life this week—a challenge, fear, or obstacle—and speak God’s Word over it daily. Declare faith instead of fear. Like Caleb, silence the voice of doubt and say, “We can certainly do it!”

Family Declaration:

We are not grasshoppers—we are giant-slayers! We will see through God’s eyes, stand in His strength, and speak with His voice. We are a family with backbone—courageous, unshakable, and full of faith in the God who never fails.