Overcoming Challenges

For the past few weeks we have been studying the life of this man named Caleb.

In continuation we will meditate today on Joshua 14:12, “So now give me this hill country of which the LORD spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the LORD said.” (ESV)

These are the words of Caleb to Joshua after they had entered the Promised Land. As the land was being divided amongst the tribes of Israel, most may have requested to take possession of the land that was easy to conquer and inhabit, but contrarily Caleb requested for the hill country that seemed tough to conquer. The reason was because Caleb, though he was eighty five years old, was one who welcomed challenges, believed he could overcome them and had no fear whatsoever. Though Caleb would be called a senior citizen in our terms, he was a man who was filled with faith in God and zeal for the Lord.

If you are wondering as to what was the confidence that prompted Caleb to ask for the hill country, it was the assurance that God was with him. This was the boldness that Caleb had that when God was with him, he could face any challenge. The place that Caleb wanted to possess was a hard place, where the inhabitants were giants, and the city fortified. In spite of all the hurdles Caleb was confident to ask for the possession of the hill country that seemed daunting to everyone else.

There are many who want to opt for the easy way out of any and every situation. We must have the same faith that was found in Caleb. Only if we have the courage to face every challenge that comes our way and overcome them, can we enjoy the fruit of the Kingdom of God.

Caleb’s inheritance

When Caleb accepted the challenge to take possession of the hill country, this was the outcome.

We read in Joshua 15:13-14, “According to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, he gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh a portion among the people of Judah, Kiriath-arba, that is, Hebron (Arba was the father of Anak). And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak, Sheshai and Ahiman and Talmai, the descendants of Anak.” (ESV)

There were huge giants in that hill country, but Caleb won and conquered them with ease.

Whether it be matters pertaining to ministry, studies or work, let us never try to do things in a dishonest way, so that we can achieve what we want with ease. We must ask God for strength to overcome every challenge. Sometimes in ministry we may face oppositions, but we must continue to preach the word truthfully, and be a good testimony before others. There is a lot of advertising these days on social media where people like to be seen with prominent leaders, but never really care to know the hardships these leaders underwent to get to where they are right now.

Let me give you some examples from the bible to help understand this point better.

The zeal that consumed Jesus

We read in John 2:13-16, “The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade."” (ESV)

The place was the temple at Jerusalem. Every year the Jews from all over made their way to this temple in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover festival. This temple which was a glorious place of worship over time became a business center. There was more importance given to money transactions, rather than to things pertaining to God. I am sure that those who were devoted to God would have agonized over this situation, and even discussed the matter in their homes. However, Jesus did not just lament about the predicament, but made a whip of cords to drive out all those who engaged in business in that temple. When Jesus did that he was putting himself in a dangerous position as the Pharisees and the religious leaders could have gotten together forcefully against Him. Jesus was so consumed with zeal for His Father’s house that nothing deterred Him from doing what was right.

The Lord Jesus knew that there was a way for the temple to function, and worship to be carried out. He therefore did not hesitate to do what was necessary to cleanse the temple of God.