Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Unshaken Daily Devotional #134 - Faith or Fear
Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. When 12 spies went into the Promised Land, 10 saw giants and felt like grasshoppers, while 2 saw "bread" and felt like conquerors. In Numbers 13–19, we explore why the biggest obstacles to our progress aren't the walled cities in front of us, but the lack of faith within us.
Summary: In this episode, Jared Halverson analyzes the heart of the Book of Numbers. We explore the scouting of Canaan and the tragic choice of the congregation to "return to Egypt" rather than move forward in faith. We deep-dive into the rebellion of Korah—an ancient lesson in seeking "unrighteous dominion"—and analyze the "budding rod" of Aaron as a beautiful symbol of how God’s authority produces life and fruit. We also examine the "red heifer" as a type of Christ and discuss how "fringes and blue ribbons" were designed to keep the law in constant remembrance.
Key doctrinal insights include:
The Grasshopper Complex: An analysis of Numbers 13:33. We discuss how we take our cues from our own self-perception. If we see ourselves as small, the world (and our enemies) will agree.
Wander, Wander, Die: Why 40 days of spying turned into 40 years of wandering. We discuss President Spencer W. Kimball's teaching that we "speed up or slow down" the Lord's clock through our own preparation.
The Graves of Lust (Kibroth-hattaavah): Why God gives us exactly what we ask for until it becomes "loathsome" to us. We explore the danger of "presuming" upon God's grace while rejecting His counsel.
Strange Fire and the Pit: An analysis of Korah’s rebellion in Numbers 16. We discuss why those who seek power for themselves are the ones least qualified to hold it. We contrast the "strange fire" of human ambition with the "true fire" of Aaron's intercession.
Aaron’s Budding Rod: Why a dead stick brought forth almonds. We discuss how to make decisions by presenting options to the Lord and seeing which one "blossoms" and "bears fruit" in our lives.
The Red Heifer: Understanding the rarest sacrifice. We connect the red heifer (sinless, unyoked, and miraculous) to the Savior, and how His "ashes" mixed with "living water" are the only way to purify a soul defiled by death.
Fringes and Blue Ribbons: Why God wants us to have visible reminders of our duty. We connect this to Mosiah 13:30 and the importance of "performances and ordinances" to keep us in remembrance of God.
This lesson is a masterclass in "Choosing the Lord's Side." It reminds us that "authority from above and faith from below make for power in the middle." Whether you are facing "giants" in your personal life or trying to distinguish between "true" and "strange" fire in your spiritual journey, this video will help you see that the Lord's hand is never waxed short.
Call-to-Action: The 10 spies saw giants, but Caleb saw "bread." What is a "giant" obstacle in your life right now that you are trying to reframe as "bread"—something the Lord will help you "consume" and overcome? Share your stories of faith in the comments! Like and Subscribe to Unshaken for more deep-dive scripture study!
Tags:
Numbers 13, Numbers 14, Numbers 15, Numbers 16, Numbers 17, Numbers 18, Numbers 19, Joshua and Caleb, Twelve Spies, Rebellion of Korah, Aaron's Rod, Red Heifer, Jared Halverson, Unshaken, LDS Scripture Study, Old Testament 2026, Promised Land, Faith Over Fear, Priesthood Authority, Come Follow Me
Unshaken Daily Devotional #134 - Faith or Fear
Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. When 12 spies went into the Promised Land, 10 saw giants and felt like grasshoppers, while 2 saw "bread" and felt like conquerors. In Numbers 13–19, we explore why the biggest obstacles to our progress aren't the walled cities in front of us, but the lack of faith within us.
Summary: In this episode, Jared Halverson analyzes the heart of the Book of Numbers. We explore the scouting of Canaan and the tragic choice of the congregation to "return to Egypt" rather than move forward in faith. We deep-dive into the rebellion of Korah—an ancient lesson in seeking "unrighteous dominion"—and analyze the "budding rod" of Aaron as a beautiful symbol of how God’s authority produces life and fruit. We also examine the "red heifer" as a type of Christ and discuss how "fringes and blue ribbons" were designed to keep the law in constant remembrance.
Key doctrinal insights include:
The Grasshopper Complex: An analysis of Numbers 13:33. We discuss how we take our cues from our own self-perception. If we see ourselves as small, the world (and our enemies) will agree.
Wander, Wander, Die: Why 40 days of spying turned into 40 years of wandering. We discuss President Spencer W. Kimball's teaching that we "speed up or slow down" the Lord's clock through our own preparation.
The Graves of Lust (Kibroth-hattaavah): Why God gives us exactly what we ask for until it becomes "loathsome" to us. We explore the danger of "presuming" upon God's grace while rejecting His counsel.
Strange Fire and the Pit: An analysis of Korah’s rebellion in Numbers 16. We discuss why those who seek power for themselves are the ones least qualified to hold it. We contrast the "strange fire" of human ambition with the "true fire" of Aaron's intercession.
Aaron’s Budding Rod: Why a dead stick brought forth almonds. We discuss how to make decisions by presenting options to the Lord and seeing which one "blossoms" and "bears fruit" in our lives.
The Red Heifer: Understanding the rarest sacrifice. We connect the red heifer (sinless, unyoked, and miraculous) to the Savior, and how His "ashes" mixed with "living water" are the only way to purify a soul defiled by death.
Fringes and Blue Ribbons: Why God wants us to have visible reminders of our duty. We connect this to Mosiah 13:30 and the importance of "performances and ordinances" to keep us in remembrance of God.
This lesson is a masterclass in "Choosing the Lord's Side." It reminds us that "authority from above and faith from below make for power in the middle." Whether you are facing "giants" in your personal life or trying to distinguish between "true" and "strange" fire in your spiritual journey, this video will help you see that the Lord's hand is never waxed short.
Call-to-Action: The 10 spies saw giants, but Caleb saw "bread." What is a "giant" obstacle in your life right now that you are trying to reframe as "bread"—something the Lord will help you "consume" and overcome? Share your stories of faith in the comments! Like and Subscribe to Unshaken for more deep-dive scripture study!
Tags:
Numbers 13, Numbers 14, Numbers 15, Numbers 16, Numbers 17, Numbers 18, Numbers 19, Joshua and Caleb, Twelve Spies, Rebellion of Korah, Aaron's Rod, Red Heifer, Jared Halverson, Unshaken, LDS Scripture Study, Old Testament 2026, Promised Land, Faith Over Fear, Priesthood Authority, Come Follow Me
