You cannot read the story of Joshua and Caleb and not be impressed.
They were different. They saw life differently. They were leaders par excellence.
During my recent study of the book of Joshua, and in particular this past Sunday’s sermon which directly involved Caleb, I saw something I had seen before but could not delineate it. As you probably know, along with 10 other spies, Joshua and Caleb were sent into the land of Canaan to spy out the land. They all came back with glowing reports of the land.
With one difference. Joshua and Caleb’s ideas of submission were different. The 10 convinced the people they could benefit from the land but it was too dangerous. The people were too big. Joshua and Caleb agreed on all counts EXCEPT it being too dangerous. Here’s why:
The 10 spies measured the giants against their own strength; Joshua and Caleb measured the giants against God’s strength. The 10 trembled; the 2 triumphed. The majority had big giants and a little God; the two had a great God and little giants.
What about you? What are you facing today that seems insurmountable? Are the giants you are facing today huge in your eyes? Remember to follow Caleb’s lead: “follow the Lord wholeheartedly.” I would add “Don’t lose heart.”
Here is a song for you to sing in your head this week. Have a great giant-slaying week.
I’m afraid I would have been one of the eight who said it was too big a job. 🙁 So thankful for the examples of the Joshuas and Calebs in my life who encourage me to have more faith and step into it.
Listening to the song now….
Thanks, Bill!
I’d like to say I would have been Joshua and Caleb but who knows? Hope you liked the song.
Yes, I did like the song! Thanks, Bill.
Even though I am not a RC fan, I do like this song.
It’s interesting how things we see as GIANTS today often seem much smaller later on. That’s not to minimize what we are going through now. It’s more of a statement of God’s faithfulness to see us through times of major challenge. Stepping back and seeing the bigger picture is key. This is the beauty of scripture. It gives us the stories, but it also gives us the bigger picture.
I agree Jon. The mountains we make today out of molehills are seen as molehills with a backward look. Thanks for the comment. Good to hear from you.
I absolutely love the witness of Joshua and Caleb – what a testimony to the greatness of God, that in our weakness, He can make us strong, and slay the giants that threaten us. Their faith certainly made them the stars of this Biblical account. May we all face our giants with such faith.
Blessings, Bill!
Their witness is one which is both convicting and encouraging. Stand up to the giants!!
Loved this perspective, Bill! Dick always says, “Rather than saying, ‘God! Look how big my problems are!’ we should be saying ‘Problem! Look how big my God is!'”
Thanks Pam. I think Dick’s perspective is absolutely on the money.
Good reminder, Bill. The giants are sitting beside us in the palm of His sovereign hand…
A fact we need to remember.