If was there ever was a Biblical hero who demonstrated courage by living what he believed, it was Caleb. Relentlessly confident, he had the uncanny ability to stay close to God and the holy nerve to approach Joshua and say “Now therefore, give me this mountain, Hebron, of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim (giant-like) were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall abide to drive them out as the Lord said” (Joshua 14:12). Caleb is saying, “Give me Hebron where the giants live.” Caleb was ready – even at the age of 85. Although some intimidating obstacles stood in his way, his unwavering faith in God overshadowed every hindrance. Just as important, that same vigorous faith and unfailing courage can be ours today.
We need the courage to believe. Faith grows best in the dark, when we have to trust rather than see. Faith is not the absence of fear, or even doubt; rather, it is stepping out in courage to live the victory that is ours in Christ.
We also need the courage to forgive. Taking an eraser to our hearts and minds is not easy. Do not bury the hatchet with the handle sticking out of the ground! Remember, forgiveness is commanded by God (Eph. 4:32). It is the one time we are allowed to engage in spiritual amnesia.
Furthermore, we need the courage to tell others about Jesus Christ. It takes courage to live the Gospel, yet, the truth of God’s word changes lives for eternity. Just as Jesus never missed an opportunity to share heaven’s message of salvation, we should follow His example. When we have an opportunity to make an eternal impact on someone’s life, capture it and let God use us to bring a soul to Him.
We need the courage to overcome. Do we ever feel singled out by life’s problems? The “Why Me?” syndrome is common and contagious. While we can’t divorce ourselves from life’s responsibilities, we can transfer them to God (1Pet. 5:7). The battle belongs to Him. God specializes in overcoming the impossible.
It takes courage to climb our personal mountains, but it is not impossible. It was no accident that Caleb conquered his mountain. He spent 85 years living courageously for the Lord, and therein lies the principles for all of us — live what we believe. Let’s have courageous faith and let it affect the way we perceive life. Let’s allow our faith in God to shape the seemingly impossible obstacles that come our way. God was faithful to Caleb – and He’ll be faithful to us, too.
A man or woman in fellowship with God develops an uncommon vision, an unbeatable advantage, and an unquenchable spirit of courage – at any age!
by Rickie Jenkins
rickiej08@gmail.com
