“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

We first meet Caleb in the Book of Numbers. The epic plagues, the Israelites’ exile, and the parting of the Red Sea by the rod of Moses were magnificent showings of God’s power! The Lord had promised Abraham (hundreds of years before) that He would make Abraham’s descendants into a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). But FIRST, they had to physically conquer the inhabitants living in their promised land to possess it.

Moses chose 12 spies, one from each Israelite tribe, to scout the land. These leaders, including 40-year-old Caleb from the tribe of Judah, were tasked to go into the land and report back to Moses what they saw in Canaan. When the spies returned from their assignment, they complained, conveying that those living in Canaan were too powerful to conquer— there were giants occupying the land! Yet, Caleb (and Joshua) stood out from the 12, encouraging the Israelites to stay true to their quest because they knew God’s sovereignty was backing them. Unfortunately, the Israelite people sided with the unbelieving spy majority and rebelled against Caleb and Joshua. God’s consequence for their choice was wilderness-wandering for 40 years, and the lost fulfillment of their promised dwelling place during their lifetime. The Lord’s exception was extended only to Caleb and Joshua because of their faithfulness and loyalty to Him, believing His promise.

Caleb reappears 45 years later in the book of Joshua, at the age of 85, still with unwavering faith. He went to Joshua, requesting to finally lay claim to Canaan, and his request was granted. Caleb was not afraid to drive out the inhabiting giants because he trusted God to help him fight. And he WAS victorious! He and Joshua led the next generation to inherit and inhabit Canaan after their predecessors had passed.

Much can be learned from Caleb. He didn’t allow negative voices to change his mind. Though he had rebellious people surrounding him, he stayed true to God’s course, no matter how long it took, because he knew God was bigger than any foe. What “giants” do we have in our world today that we need to trust God to fight? He can help us conquer them all!

Guiding Points:

Call to Action: Can you relate to Caleb? Do you have “giants” to entrust to God?

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

“Seek the Kingdom of God[a] above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33).

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Prayer: Father God, thank you for being our ever-present help in times of trouble. YOU are our source of strength! Just as You helped Caleb conquer the giants, to possess his promised land, we ask that You help us slay the giants we face today to take our land back for Christ! Help us to block out negative voices of rebellious people, and to stay Your course, no matter how long it takes and how hard we have to fight. We know You are bigger and more powerful than anything we face. We trust you, Lord! In Your name, we pray, Amen!

Final Thought: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27).