Read Numbers 13:17–33. All twelve spies saw the same things; what caused only two of the twelve to respond as they did? What lesson should we take from this incident for ourselves, today?

Wow this is a  very good example of where good reporting can lead you and where bad reporting can lead you. Two of the twelve responded favorably because they believed they would be successful in dispossessing the inhabitants. The other spies saw that giants and it caused them to fear and give a bad report. The other spies were motivated by fear when they reported. When we are motivated by our fears we view things in a negative way. The spies masked there fear in an unfavorable report , rather than being honest with how they felt. We are the same way. When we do not want to do something or we are afraid we give bad reports. The phrases stated ;That will never work, we have tried that before, this is unrealistic, can simply be code words for; I am afraid. Acting from fear and not faith hinders the work of God, and the people of God.

How do we strike the balance between living by faith, claiming God's promises, and acting on them—as opposed to living by presumption and doing things that might not be the wisest but utilizing dubious claims of God's "leading" in order to justify them? How can we do the first and avoid the latter?

I believe that we have to cooperate with God. The balance is found in this cooperation. To cooperate with God means we do our part and let him do his. The wisdom is in understanding where this fine line is drawn. Presumption some into place when we try to act on things that God has in no way condoned ; This behavior is a mask for wanting to do our own will. Obedience to God also helps us to not be presumptuous. When are avoiding doing the things God has clearly revealed to us  and waiting for a sign we may be presuming.

Prayer: Lord God Almighty, sometimes we are motivated by the wrong things. Help us to be motivated by your love, and faith and hope. Help us to not be presumptuous with our faith. Father please balance us out. We thank you in Jesus name we pray amen.