Standing Out

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

Israel was faced with impossible odds when they looked at what was before them in the land of Canaan. God promised them this land, but seeing what they were up against was beyond their comfort zone and physical capabilities. 

They gave an account to Moses of what they saw, “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey. Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak (giants) there” (Numbers 13:27-28). 

Caleb saw the situation before them very differently. He stood out among the crowd and silenced the Israelites before Moses. He spoke in contrast to his comrades and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30). 

He did not follow the Israelites way of thinking. He was not afraid because he trusted God at His word. He believed God would protect them and bring them into the Promised Land. 

The Israelites missed out on God’s blessing because their fear was greater than their faith. Caleb, on the other hand, was greatly rewarded for following God wholeheartedly. 

If you are in a situation where you are standing out from the crowd because of your faith, just remember how God blessed Caleb. God is on your side when trusting in Him. 

Dear Lord, 

Help us to remember Your son Jesus stood out from the crowd and the world did not acknowledge Him. Give us the same kind of courage and trust that Caleb had when faced with unbelieving people. We can take You at Your Word and hold on to Your promises. 

Charity O