Caleb is one of my favorite unsung heroes in the Bible. He doesn’t get much attention in the Bible and his name isn’t even popular today. How many boys do you know with the name Caleb? Yet he is a remarkable special man. This blog continues a series in which he tells his story.
Soon we left Kadesh Barnea and wandered around for 38 years, just roaming and passing time. We split up and went our separate ways looking for fresh grass and water. It was a dull, boring time, but life isn’t always exciting and full of adventure. I had to patiently wait for God to fulfill the promises He hade made to me. Maybe you are waiting for something, too.I was suffering because of the lack of faith of others, which wasn’t really fair to me. Maybe you are going through some unfair consequences of others’ sins.
I also had disappointment to handle, for Joshua was chosen to replace Moses and I was passed over. I’m sure you have times when things don’t work out as you would like. God did say He would be with us during the waiting times as well. God promises to always be with you, in daily routine times as well as other times. When things seem unfair or you feel disappointed, trust Him and keep on obeying.In those times, remember God is still there keeping His promises to provide. (Num. 14:11) ” I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then.” God cared for us every day during those years. He gave me manna to eat every day. He made sure our clothing and sandals never wore out. He kept it so we would never get sick or be unhealthy.
Listen to some of the promises He makes for you in your everyday life: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name sake.” Ps. 23:1-3 “I will never leave you or forsake you. “ Hebrews 13:5“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19
Matthew 6:25-34 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
So always remember to trust God’s promises in the major decisions of life, the mundane dreariness of life and the mega discords of life.
PROMISES FOR US TODAY
FAITHFUL WITNESS
Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. Mt. 10:32
I promised that your house and your father’s house would minister before me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained. I Samuel 2:30
FEAR
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Ps. 118:6
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me. Ps. 23:4
“I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.” Gen. 26:24
Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Gen 15:1
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. Ex. 14:13
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isa. 41:10
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid. Mt. 14:27
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the King of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and fight our battles. 2 Chron. 32:7-8a
FORGIVENESS OF SIN
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Mt. 6:14
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me. Jeremiah 15:19
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
(If I can answer questions or offer personal counsel, or if you would like a free copy of my Spiritual Warfare Handbook, email me at Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org or download it from http://sw.christiantrainingonline.org/. My next book, Spiritual Warfare in the Bible, which is a more advanced treatment of spiritual warfare, is also available there for free.)