“Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day.” Joshua 14:12
For forty long days, the twelve spies had searched the land of Canaan, and now they headed back to pack up their families and bring them across to the land the Lord had promised. As they journeyed, perhaps Caleb shared with Joshua his dream of Hebron being his inheritance.
But as they returned to their camp and began to share what they had found with Moses and the rest of the people Caleb’s heart became heavy. They had all been impressed with the prosperity in the land and had even brought back some of the fruits to show everyone. But ten of the men began to share how strong the people of the land were and expressed their doubts about being able to conquer them. Joshua and Caleb tried to persuade them, saying: “
“Let us go up at once, and possess it for we are well able to overcome it.” Numbers 13:30
Because the people would not listen to them, God caused them to wander in the wilderness for forty more years, during which all the older generations passed away, except for Joshua and Caleb. We do not hear much about Caleb during those years in the wilderness, but somehow, he kept his dream alive in his heart and faithfully fulfilled his duties.
In Joshua 14, we find that many battles have been fought and the Israelites have gained victory over the inhabitants of Canaan. Now Caleb is eighty-five years old, and he comes to Joshua and reminds him of the promise:
“Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart. Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God. And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children’s for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God.” Joshua 14:7-9
Many years before Caleb had cut down a bunch of grapes near the spot he had chosen, but he had never forgotten it. His dream had never died, Now as he asks Joshua to “give me my mountain”, God fulfills His promise from Numbers 14:24 “Him will I bring into the land whereinto he went.”
Has the Lord given you a dream? Perhaps there is something that you feel He wants you to do, and you are waiting for Him to direct you at the right time. Don’t give up your dream. Be faithful, spend time in prayer and in the Word, preparing your heart for the day when He says, “Now it is time to possess your mountain.” His timing is perfect, and He always keeps His promises.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you know the desires of our hearts and you hear every prayer. Sometimes you answer right away, and sometimes you ask us to wait. Help us to trust you and be faithful in that waiting period, knowing that your timing is perfect.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
4 Comments
His timing is perfect, and He always keeps His promises.
Thank you, Fern, for being a faithful reader. Have a blessed day.
So encouraging!
Thank you, Marie, for reading. I am glad it was a blessing to you