Overcoming a Grasshopper Mentality

By: Keefe Wilson

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them. Numbers 13:33

A "grasshopper mentality" is a mindset of fear, doubt, and inferiority, and it will keep us from stepping out in faith. It can strike any Christian anytime—I remember the day it hit me... I was overwhelmed with fear when I had to either sign paperwork to stay in the Air Force or follow God's call to serve Him in Okinawa. I felt confident the day before, but that morning I felt small and unqualified. Sitting in my car, I was frozen by that decision and overly focused on my weaknesses. Then God reminded me He wasn't asking me to do this in my own strength. Next, He told me to trust Him! Feeling His presence, I stepped out in faith. That day, I almost let "grasshopper mentality" stop me from embracing my greatest life experience. Without faith, I wouldn't have fulfilled God's purpose for my life.

Christ Follower, have you ever faced a challenge that made you feel small and afraid? Has doubt ever made you feel unworthy or unqualified? If so, you've been hit by "grasshopper mentality", and God wants to help you overcome it. In Numbers 13, Moses sent twelve spies to explore Canaan. Ten of them felt weak and insignificant compared to the giants they saw in the land. Their fears distorted their perception, making them believe they were as small as grasshoppers to their enemies. Those doubts made them incapable of taking the land God had already promised. Because they viewed themselves as weak, they assumed everyone else did too. But Joshua and Caleb had a different mindset. They knew God was on their side, so they never doubted they could take the promised land. Their perspective wasn't altered by fear, it was shaped by their strong faith.

Christ followers must be vigilant against grasshopper mentality. It will attack us when God calls—whether it's serving in a ministry, sharing the gospel, or stepping out in faith. This mindset of fear distorts our view, and we'll focus on our weaknesses instead of God's strength. Viewing those challenging situations through God's perspective helps us move forward with the confidence He provides. Don't doubt, trust God! He promises to equip everyone He calls.

Overcome that "grasshopper mentality" like Joshua and Caleb did:

1. Don't let fear alter your perception.
2. Trust God and believe in His promises.
3. Speak words of faith from God's Word.
4. Focus on God's power, not the situation.
5. Be confident, see yourself as God sees you.
6. Don't doubt. Ask God to help you overcome your weaknesses.

Step out in faith and obey God. Do whatever He is calling you to do!