Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old!
New International Version (NIV)
“It’s not fair,” has become the mantra of our age. In Joshua 17:16 the descendants of Joseph complained to Joshua that they did not have enough land for their large groups of people. Joshua suggested that they employ their large groups of people to claim more land from the Canaanites. They complained, “But they have iron chariots.” It’s not fair! We can’t win.
Contrast that attitude with eighty-five year old Caleb. In Numbers 13-14 when the majority opinion prevailed and Israel refused to claim the land because there were giants in the land, Caleb gave a report according to his convictions. While the whole generation died in the wilderness, Caleb and Joshua alone survived and entered the land. Caleb had been waiting for over four decades for his big moment. Given the chance he said, “Show me a giant and I will whip him.” He claimed the hill country which God promised him because he trusted the Lord.
To be fair, life can seem unfair. Challenges are not apportioned equally to all people. But in all cases the differentiating factor which decides the outcome has to do with our trust in God. Is God the kind of God who keeps his promises. Yes or no? With Caleb we celebrate the truth which J. B. Tidwell articulated so well: One plus God is always a majority. What is God calling you to do today? In God’s name and by his power and for his glory, do it!
Pray with me:
Father, help us not to compare the size of our challenges today to ourselves, but instead to our Savior. Teach us to trust you Lord when life seems unfair. Help us to face life with a clear view of your power at work in us. Whisper again in our ears that we can do everything you call us to do through Christ who is strengthening us, right now. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we! Joyfully, Duane
Copyright 2018. All Rights Reserved.
Share this email:
Manage your preferences | Opt out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
