I know a “Caleb” type man. He is a WWII 94-year-old war veteran and lives down the road from me. I have watched him “run” down my street for ten years now. When I first moved into my house, he was still running at a pretty fast pace for a man his age. These past few years, I’ve watched him go from running to a lean-forward walk. Either way, I’ve been impressed with him since the first day I saw him out my kitchen window.
Over the years I’ve cheered him on as I’ve driven down my street, but it wasn’t until a month or so ago, when an ambulance drove past my house, that my heart sank and I prayed, “Oh Lord, please don’t let it be for Mr. Don.” To my delight, the next morning, as I was working in my office, I saw him out my window in his typical lean-forward fast pace walk. This time instead of staying inside admiring his determination and discipline like I usually do, I ran out of my house and right up to him. I didn’t want to miss an opportunity to tell him how amazing I thought he was and what an inspiration he has been to my girls and me all these years.
And then I did something that brought tears to his eyes. I invited him over for dinner.
The first thing he said was that he would love to come over for dinner. He had been a widower now for three years, his two grown children live hours away, and he would love the opportunity to have dinner together.
And so we did.
Over dinner, we learned what it was like growing up on the East Coast, heading off to WWII so young, finding the love of his life, and the secret to his longevity…Mr. Don has a “Caleb” like mindset. His age doesn’t dictate the type of life he is living.
Caleb was the same way. Eight-five years young and still had that fighter spirit within him, always ready to take on the next battle.
“So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day.”- Joshua 14: 11-12
What Caleb focused his eyes on was different than most. When the ten spies were sent out, only he and Joshua saw victory when others saw giants. Caleb focused his eyes and mind on what God can do. He placed his faith in God instead of his circumstances. Caleb knew that mountains occupied by giants are no match for a giant trembling, mountain moving, God.
When others saw problems, Caleb saw opportunities. Caleb was a man who took God at His Word and believed God’s Promises.
He didn’t want just an ordinary piece of land in the Promised Land. Caleb wanted the portion of land still occupied by giants.
No matter Caleb’s age, he was a man set on honoring God with his life and believing that what God promised, He would fulfill.
God’s promises are still true for us today, too. No matter our age, God is still in the fulfilling of promises business. What He needs are more “Calebs.”
What mountain or promise is God calling you to conquer in His name?
Love God Greatly,
Challenge: Instead of seeing problems, see opportunities where you can claim God’s promises and further His kingdom in your life.
Reading Plan
Memory Verse
Good morning, I love this ministry and have followed for many years. I recently stepped back in to your studies and each time I have found mistakes. Please forgive my forwardness, but I am wondering if you have grown too fast and if there is not enough oversight to the content being put out there. The memory verse should be quoted as Joshua and not John. These kind of errors do not take away from all of the good you are doing for God’s Kingdom, however attention to the details is a must. I am commenting here because this is the second time I have logged in, and both times there have been big errors. Those new to the faith rely on accuracy from teachers, and I truly hope the necessary changes will be made to make every effort to put out accurate content.
Thank you very much ma’am for your observations. Am very sure it was never intended. The corrections would be made as soon as possible. Thank you again for pointing them out. God’s blessings.
Amen Angela!! Amen!! He needs more Caleb’s. And yes we all need more God in our daily walk.