Joshua 14:12. “Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake of in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and the cities were great and fenced: if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said.”
GIVE ME THIS MOUNTAIN. The road map of a life of eighty-five years was easily seen upon his face, Yet his strength was obvious in the stance of his body – His arms and legs firm and strong – Full of confidence in God, he stood before his leader – Strength of character etched in a face full of experience of living for God. The promises of God deep in his heart and his understanding of God is seen – A peaceful, yet bold approach to claim what God had promised – “Give me this mountain.”
His faith was in a great God while the majority doubted and feared. His desire was not for ease even at the end of eighty-five years, The walled cities; the tall, huge men were not intimidating – He knew the character of his God. He was standing firm on the truth of God, not opinions of men – And God gave him boldness beyond that of the majority. His decision is based on the truth of God’s promises – “Give me this mountain.”
Right and wrong cannot be measured by the voices around me. An accurate measurement of truth does not come from fearful men. The same God who gave Caleb boldness – gave me eternal life – And He who was faithful to that old man, is faithful still. Courage and faith are only effective when Combined with words and actions, They are used to act on the promises of God – “Give me this mountain.”
In this place of past blessings and scenes of past victories – There are obstacles that are tall and strong. Fainting and fearful men are surrounding me – Words of pessimism and defeat long for days in the past – Times when God promised and went before us driving out the “Anakims.” I must never rest on accomplishments that God allowed as if that is all – For there is land to be possessed; cities to be taken – even yet at the end of life – “Give me this mountain.”
“Father God, this morning I am looking out on a place where You brought victory forty years ago. Remnants of that time of rejoicing and faith still remain but the sound of singing is faint and the voice of confidence is now the voice of pessimism. O gracious God, hear my prayer on behalf of these people and this place and revive the spirit of faith and confidence in God – even this very week. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”