Developing Fierce Faith

05/08/22 – 05/21/22

Facing Giants

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  05/19/22

The person who is faithful with the small territories will be faithful with the larger ones. And that is why we see Caleb being honored by God in Joshua 14. Forty-five years earlier, when the Israelites were still in the wilderness, Moses sent twelve spies into the Promised Land—one from each of the twelve tribes (see Numbers 13). When the group found giants in the land, only two of the spies—Joshua and Caleb—were undaunted. The other ten spies were ready to give up out of fear. Yet Caleb reported, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30).

God loves to see risk-taking faith and optimism in His children. Caleb had that kind of faith. The other ten spies saw obstacles and danger, but Caleb saw victory. Caleb kept his eyes on the God of promise, the God who controls the future. Instead of fearing what he saw with his eyes, Caleb trusted in the God of all hope.

Caleb received his promised inheritance “because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly” (Joshua 14:14). But Caleb wasn’t ready to retire from God’s work. Even though the hill country was still inhabited by the Anakites, Caleb said, “Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. . . . I will drive them out just as he said” (Joshua 14:12). Even at 85 years of age, he was ready to take on the giants. He was ready to take on the tough assignment because he trusted in the power of God.

There are plenty of unoccupied territories around us today. Will you say with Caleb, “Give me this hill country”?

Prayer: God, help me to serve You wholeheartedly, like Caleb did. Give me strength to face the giants. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)