journey onWord with us

A sad, but true picture of unbelief is played out before our eyes in the 14^th chapter of Numbers. If you grew up in church, you undoubtedly have heard the story of the twelve spies that went to scout out the land of Canaan. They spied the land for forty days and then gave their findings. You know what happens next: ten were afraid and gave a negative report. But two men, Joshua and Caleb, showed great faith and were blessed of God. This tragedy is highlighted by the fact that the ten fearful spies were struck down by God with a plague. Unbelief also led to the needless wilderness journey that lasted forty years. In the midst of the rubble, we see God doing what He always does, blessing a life of faith.

Numbers 14:24 (NIV)
But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.

Numbers 14:24 (MSG)
But my servant Caleb-this is a different story. He has a different spirit; he follows me passionately. I’ll bring him into the land that he scouted and his children will inherit it.

Numbers 14:24 (KJV)
But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

Wholeheartedly, passionately and fully are strong words. Who in your life is a wholehearted follower of Christ? Don’t think about someone who follows religious guidelines, but that person whose faith really makes a difference. That person could be you! Caleb followed God passionately, and honored Him when it would have been easier to side with the ten fearful spies. Faith that matters will many times make hard choices. And by fully following the Lord, Caleb showed his family the beauty of faith, and a legacy of a God honoring his life.

Don’t measure your faith (or anyone else’s) externally … it’s an inside job. Grow daily, seek Him passionately, and just see what He does. Let your spiritual measurement be,

“Am I growing more in love with God and in love with people?” If you are, something is happening on the inside that only God can do. Steadfast, wholehearted faith will work for you just like it did for Caleb. Could your world be blessed if you have the Caleb spirit?

Another sad, but true story happens when any of us shifts from faith to unbelief. Many reading this may have slowed in your spiritual passion. Some readers may feel they have never been wholehearted. And still others may never have accepted Christ as Savior. But there is hope! Because the God of Caleb still reigns! Believe these words: For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (I Chronicles 16:9a) That includes you!

And never forget, that your journey is not walked alone.  We are ready always to come alongside.  Email us @ journeyonwordwithus@gmail.com