Fearless Faith
Joshua 14:10-12
Veteran’s Day Message
November 9, 2014
Morning Service
When we think of Veteran’s Day, we often think of the sacrifice and courage of those who have served in the military. Today, we thank those who have served our country and we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. As we look at scripture this morning, I am reminded of one of the great unsung heroes of the faith. He was a man of courage, a man of faith and a man of fierce fighting ability. His name was Caleb.
If you have your Bibles with you this morning, open them with me to: Joshua 14:10-12
10 "Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 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. 12 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.” Joshua 14:10-12
What Life Lessons do we learn from Caleb?
1. God is searching for people who will trust Him completely
Caleb had been following God through the wilderness for forty five years. Caleb was one of only two people to survive the wilderness wanderings. He and Joshua were the only two people who wanted to follow God into the Promised Land to conquer it. The result was that Israel refused to follow God and every adult who refused to follow God died never seeing the Promised Land.
Caleb understood that we serve a God who always keeps His promises. He knew that God would be with them in any struggle they would ever face. Our problem today is that we try to face the challenges of life on our own and it causes us untold problems. God is looking for people who will place their trust in Him completely. God said that Caleb followed Him wholeheartedly. Caleb gave everything over to God and trusted Him completely with every aspect of his life.
Caleb not only survived the wilderness but he thrived in the midst of it. God promised that He would bring Caleb back to the Promised Land and he would live there. Caleb hung on to God’s promises and knew that God was moving to bring His plan into fullness.
2. God is searching for people who will follow Him closely
Caleb followed God so close that he obeyed every command that God gave him. Caleb walked with God when the entire nation of Israel rebelled. Caleb saw the cost of refusing to follow God and understood that God was their source of strength.
When we follow God close, it allows us to get through any trial and overcome any obstacle. God does not promise that we will not go through difficulties in life. Instead, God promises something far greater. God promises that He will be with us when we go through the hard times. He just wants for us to follow Him closely.
3. God is searching for people who will rise to any challenge
Caleb knew the challenge that was waiting for Him in the Promised Land. He had seen the enemies that were there and understood the difficulties. Caleb not only took up the challenge, he took up the biggest challenge. Caleb specifically chose the area of the Canaan that held the Anakites.
The Anakites were the race that brought us Goliath. Caleb enters into the hill country to become Israel’s first giant killer. Caleb’s attitude is amazing. With the Lord helping me I will drive them out. There is no doubt. There is no fear. Caleb looked to God just as he had through the wilderness to get him through the next challenge.
Everyone faces challenges and obstacles in life. The only question that remains is whether or not we will trust God. God never removes the challenges but He goes through them with us. No matter what you face today. God is going to walk through the challenge with you.
