Caleb: Unwavering Trust in God's Plan
Have you ever spent years walking toward what God has promised you, only to be stopped in your tracks by fear the you came face to face with those promises? In the midst of fear, trust in God's plan may seem impossible.
Reading or hearing stories of God's faithfulness in the lives of others is a great reminder to respond in trust in the midst of fear.
The book of Numbers in the Bible tells the story of the Israelites as they take possession of the land God promised them. After 400 years of slavery in Egypt, and 40 years wandering in the desert, God's people begin to take possession of the land. God's plan hasn't made sense to the people many times before. Now is no exception as they learn more about the current inhabitants of the land.
God directs Moses to send one man from each of the twelve tribes ahead of the people to explore the land. The men spent forty days exploring. When they return, they bring fruit from Canaan and give the people their report of the land. They speak well of the fruits of the land and how it truly does flows with milk and honey as God promised.
However, ten of the twelve spies begin to tell the people about the negative elements of the land. The people who live there are powerful, and the cities they dwell in are large and fortified.
How did the people respond to this report?
When the people heard the report about the powerful people and the fortified cities, they responded in fear and grumbled against Moses for leading them to land filled with intimidating residents.
In their fear, the people forgot about God's plan and promise to give them this land. They lost sight of all the times God had been faithful to them on their way to this land.
However, two of the spies encourage the people to trust God's plan.
Joshua and Caleb share a different perspective of the land.
“The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” - Numbers 14:7-9
Joshua and Caleb kept their eyes fixed on God's plan for the people. They did not give into fear. Instead, they trusted God and encouraged the people to do likewise.
Where do you need to trust God's plan in your life?
Accepting God’s promises and plan in your life may require you to overcome fear. Trusting in God's plan won't always make sense to you, but God will bring you through the circumstances that seem impossible.
