Fearless Fervent Faith

In our society we are constantly in a pursuit to remain young. From banishing gray hairs to erasing wrinkles with creams, everyone seems to be on a mission to look and feel young. But the Bible talks about one man who was not afraid to admit his age and was in fact stronger than most young men of his time: Caleb.

Joshua 14:10–12 – “… and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.” (NKJV)

Facts versus Faith
In Numbers 13, Moses sent twelve spies, including Joshua and Caleb, to scout Canaan. Ten returned with a discouraging report, fearing the giants there were unbeatable. However, Joshua and Caleb trusted God’s promise and believed they could conquer the land with His help.

Age-old Promises, Age-less God.
As Joshua prepares to allocate the land among the tribes of Israel, an 85-year-old man named Caleb makes a unique request. Caleb asks for the land of Hebron, which means “fellowship.” This area holds significance because it’s where Abraham once built an altar and received God’s promise of becoming a father of nations. Despite his age, Caleb holds onto God’s timeless promises and chooses to claim this land based on God’s enduring word.

Problems before Promises.
Caleb was fully aware of the challenges ahead, not blind to the giants still present in the land. While others saw these giants with fear, Caleb, trusting in God, believed differently. He knew that with God on their side, these giants were no match for His power.

Promises Perfected, Prize Presented.
Joshua 14:13-15: Then Joshua blessed him, and he gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord, the God of Israel.

Joshua presented this faithful warrior the land that he asked for. But the story would’ve had an incomplete ending if Caleb could not accomplish what he said he could.

Joshua 15:14-15: From Hebron Caleb drove out the three Anakites—Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai, the sons of Anak. From there he marched against the people living in Debir (formerly called Kiriath Sepher).

While the world around him would have chosen the safer lands, the greener territories, and perhaps a beach-front home, eighty-five year old Caleb and his family was determined to claim the best that God had for them.

Different Spirit, Different Results
God’s testimony about Caleb is seen in Numbers 14:24: But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it.

Here are some things we can learn from Caleb:

• Confidence amongst negativity: In Numbers 13, Caleb bravely encouraged the Israelites, saying, “Let’s go and take the land because we can do it.” He stood apart from the fearful majority who doubted. Despite facing opposition, even threats of stoning from the entire congregation, Caleb remained steadfast in his belief.
• Confidence in God’s promises: Joshua and Caleb firmly declared their trust in God, affirming that if the Lord delights in us, He will surely bring us into this promised land, a land abounding in blessings like flowing milk and honey.
• Confident, long whole-hearted service: Despite losing all his friends and peers in the wilderness in the 40 year journey, Caleb remained committed to serving God wholeheartedly.

Life Application
In our daily lives, when it feels like God’s promises are taking longer to come to fruition, it’s important to keep trusting Him. Perhaps you’re encountering unforeseen health issues, disappointing exam results, or financial struggles. All these challenges can certainly feel overwhelming. Looking at Caleb’s life, we learn to see obstacles through the lens of faith. When doubts and worries arise, let’s stand firm on God’s Word and anchor ourselves on Jesus Christ, the unmovable Rock. Then we can confidently declare that if God promised us victory, nothing can overpower us.

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