Caleb was never the number one man; it’s hard to argue that he was a number two or second in command.
He was a leader without a title, in a class of his own. We first hear of him when Moses sent 12 spies to view the land of Canaan and bring back a report.
When the spies returned, 10 men spoke badly about Canaan, complaining about the giants that lived there.
Joshua and Caleb spoke differently. They were willing to trust God and had faith that they were ready to take the land and conquer it.
The people believed the 10 with a negative report, but Joshua and Caleb stood firm in their belief. Joshua later became the leader of Israel, and Caleb continued as one of Israel’s leaders without a title, a voice of hope and encouragement.
It took Israel well over 40 years to finally take over the land, but Caleb did not lose faith or strength. He was not bitter with the other 10 spies, nor did he lose passion or the will to fight after waiting for 40 years without a single war.
Caleb said, “Give me this mountain.” He also said, “As I was 40 years ago, I am still able to conquer this mountain now.”
How did Caleb keep his faith, hope, passion and skill alive for 40 years without giving up or losing momentum?
There is no record of Moses or Joshua ever encouraging or checking on him; his name is not mentioned for the 40 years of Israel’s wandering in the wilderness.
Caleb must have had an active walk with God; he must have also been a person of strong faith, character and resilience.
We may have had dreams, hopes, and projects we were ready to pursue, but they did not work out as we had hoped or planned.
Like Caleb, please don’t lose hope, don’t lose zeal, even when it seems like all progress is at a standstill. Be willing to wait, and when the time comes, be willing to run. Giants may stand in your way to the promised land, but like Caleb, learn to see the God who is bigger and stronger than your giants.
Keep speaking over the future God has promised you; no matter how long it takes, it will surely come to pass. Keep growing, hone your skills, and refuse to listen to negative thoughts or words.
