How can we apply the courage of Caleb and Joshua in our lives? Setting the Scene “And they came to Moses and Aaron and to the whole congregation of the children of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh; they brought back a report to them and to the whole congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land.” Who Were Caleb and Joshua? - Two of the twelve spies sent to scout Canaan (Numbers 13:3–16). - Distinguished by a “different spirit” (Numbers 14:24) and faith that God would keep His promise. - Their courage secured later leadership roles—Joshua succeeded Moses (Joshua 1:1) and Caleb received Hebron as an inheritance (Joshua 14:13–14). The Heart of Their Courage - Confidence in God’s Word: “The LORD is with us. Do not be afraid” (Numbers 14:9). - Willingness to stand against majority opinion (Numbers 13:31–33). - Wholehearted devotion: “He followed the LORD fully” (Deuteronomy 1:36). Living Out Caleb and Joshua’s Courage Today - Focus on God’s promises • 2 Corinthians 1:20—“For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” - Reject fear and negative reports • 2 Timothy 1:7—“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” - Speak faith-filled words • Proverbs 18:21—“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” - Obey even when outnumbered • Acts 5:29—“We must obey God rather than men.” - Persevere patiently • Hebrews 6:12—“Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” - Follow God wholeheartedly • Joshua 14:8–9—Caleb recounts that he “followed the LORD my God fully.” - Influence the next generation • Psalm 78:4—“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD.” Practical Steps for Cultivating Courage - Memorize key promises that speak directly to areas of fear. - Keep a journal of past answers to prayer as tangible reminders of God’s faithfulness. - Pray bold, Scripture-based prayers before making decisions. - Surround yourself with fellow believers who choose faith over fear (Hebrews 10:24–25). - Take small, immediate steps of obedience; courage grows with practice. - Armor up daily (Ephesians 6:10–18) to stand firm against spiritual opposition. - Celebrate victories, no matter how small, giving God the glory each time. Key Takeaways - Courage is not the absence of giants; it is confidence that God is greater than the giants. - Standing alone with God is safer than standing with the crowd without Him. - Wholehearted devotion today positions you for inheritance and influence tomorrow. |
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