An Overcoming Christian part 5

Joshua 14:10-14
And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old. [11] As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. [12] Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said. [13] And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance. [14] Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.

The last letter in Caleb’s name is B.

Bitterness

I do not believe that Caleb was bitter towards God or the people. I think there are lots of reasons why he could have been bitter but he chose the path of trusting God.

Think with me of some of the things that happened to Caleb. He was on the minority side when he said “we are well able to overcome.” Remember it was 2 against 10, then the odds became even less when the whole congregation was against Caleb, Joshua, Moses and Aaron, 4 against a multitude. If all those people against him were not enough, the people wanted to stone him. In today’s language we call it murder.

God promised Caleb land because he “wholly followed the Lord”, but he waited 45 years to receive it. The promise was given when he was 40 and he waited until he was 85. We complain and grumble if we have to wait 10 minutes in line.

Caleb traveled a different path than most. He traveled down the path of trusting instead of wallowing down the trail of bitterness. He knew the path of trusting would be narrow and probably bumpy. He also knew his Traveling Companion. The Lord will never lead us down a path that He is not walking right beside us.

Caleb’s life is a great encouragement to those who read it. He lived a long and prosperous life. He had the body of a 40 year old when he was 85. God protected him every step of the way.

How are you doing today? Are you allowing bitterness to build up in your heart? Give it to God.

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I Peter 5:7

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: Ephesians 4:31

Caleb did not let any of these things get him down: Circumstances, Attitudes, Loneliness, Exasperation or Bitterness. We need to wholly follow God. Thank Him for everything He allows in our lives. Remember God does not make mistakes but opportunities for us to grow closer to Him.

Be an overcomer!!

Have a great day.
Donna