PART TWO
Still pondering . I am in the same place as most of you these days—working on the dreams and goals for 2015 and wondering where I am going this year.
Caleb, whose story is so inspirational to me, knew what he wanted. After the Children of Israel refused to move forward in response to God’s call, forty years in the desert passed. Moses died, and Joshua became the leader of the new generation. A generation that had just grown up in the same spot eyeing daily the fruitful region across the river that their parents had been too old in spirit to pursue.
Joshua determined to lead them across and through the battles. He had God’s approval. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9. How would you like that for assurance? (You can have it!)
As Joshua readied his people for battles to take the land, 85 year old Caleb stepped forward. I imagine Joshua must have looked askance at him.
“You sure, Caleb? You’re 85, maybe you should take it easy?”
“So, you are some spring chicken yourself?” Caleb might have returned. What he DID say was, “I am just as strong and vigorous as I was 45 years ago! Give me a command!”
Phew!
Joshua gave him a command and a portion of the land to settle. Caleb, at his age, led the charges in several battles and gave no quarter. His was the victory!
When I find myself hesitating too long to take a leap (even if it fails), then I think of Caleb. Therefore, I believe age must be irrelevant when God hands out life assignments. He will make us strong, fill us with courage, take away our fear and dismay, and go with us. Even if it’s failure, because that will mean a greater win after that.
Sometimes when my energy level is low; or I see younger folks moving ahead and even past me; when I begin to think I am too old to contribute anymore; suddenly there is a nudge on my shoulder from Ancient Caleb. I feel another leap coming on…and I’m telling myself a good story!
So where are you in this New Year? Are you telling yourself some good stories? Are you ready to leap?
“And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as I was on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore; give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard it…” Joshua 14:12-12a.
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