Moses sent a group of spies into the land of Canaan. Out of the whole group only two came back saying this was the land God had for them, believing He would provide. The rest of the nation of Israel shook in fear of the inhabitants of the land. Caleb’s faithfulness moved the heart of God.
“But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it,” (Numbers 14:24 ESV).
God fulfills His plan for Israel in His promise to Caleb. I want God to look at me and see a different spirit. I long for Him to look at my life and say, “He has followed me fully.” It’s not that complicated a concept; it doesn’t take much blog space. But it takes a lot of life space. In fact it takes all of it.
Your thoughts?
Todd
God described Caleb’s spirit as “different.” Different from whom? Perhaps it was different from the others who “shook in fear.” The opposite of fear is faith–faith that God is trustworthy and good. If we really believe that in the very core of our being, then it will be easier to obey and follow Him fully. Oh God, I believe; help my unbelief.
Following Him fully is something I’ve been wrestling with lately. It’s so hard to trust that His dreams are better than mine.
Your blogs are good and thoughtprovoking. Regretfully, I haven’t had time to organize my thoughts well enough to post them. But I am thinking. I’m praying too.
You take care now,
Tess
Ouch.
This blog was such a good way for me to start my day yesterday. I’m not at a place in my life where God is looking at me in the same way He saw Caleb, unfortunately not even close. I’m spending way too much of it shaking in fear rather than trusting in faith and following in obedience. But I so much want to be one in whom He sees a different spirit. God has me on a very uncertain and scary path right now but I want to follow Him fully in where ever He takes me. Thanks for sharing these with us Todd.
I have stumbled upon your blog. First, I love music. Second, I love music that speaks to my soul. Oh, but, to have lyrics that speak volumes of the struggles within. I received the Family Christian flyer and saw your next CD is out and I am so excited. Thank you for your hearts work in your music. I look forward to getting your new CD and experiencing your lyrics. You are gifted. Thank you for sharing that gift.
Ok, now for your blog post. Very thought provoking. I am studying through Philippians right now and I find myself in awe as I read about Paul and his imprisonment, yet he maintained a stedfast joyful spirit through it all. Think now, the prisons then weren’t cushy like they are now. He was human, I am sure he experienced some of the thoughts we have, but he kept his focus on the prize. He might have flexed a bit in his thoughts, but his steps never wavered as he diligently pursued the goal laid before him to spread the gospel at whatever costs. Daniel is another ‘hero’ of perseverance, as was Esther. Daniel was taken and forced to learn Babylonian ways, magic, sorcery, astrologers, etc. Things against God’s teachings in the Old Testament. Daniel kept him mind undefiled and he never deviated from the loyalty and devotion he had to his God. We live in a ‘Babylonian’ world. We are the minority. To those struggling…grab a hold of that faith and hold on tight. Remember we are given a shield of faith to defend ourselves from doubt. When doubt creeps in, cast it out and don’t give it room. We are given the sword of the spirit, wield it!
A little wordy..sorry. Just a little passionate wanting no one to lose hope!
He is KING of kings and LORD lords.
Todd, again, thank you for your work!
I wish I would follow God as closely as I follow my GPS.