Joshua 14:12

New International Version (NIV)

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.

For Meditation

Success does not ride on easy life. It’s a test of wits, courage, and determination. It defies logic and handicaps. It takes a challenge by the throat and wrestles it down for the prize. Slothfulness is its worst enemy, and fear has no place in its considerations. It sets its eyes on achieving of great things in life and embraces faith for an ally. The Christian life without a heart for success cultivates the seeds of failure and defeat. But God doesn’t intend that for us. His intention in Christ for the believer is the victor’s crown (Rev. 2:10). That’s why He has made us “more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Rm. 8:37).

1. So, do you have eyes for achieving great things for Jesus? What has the Lord promised you and how long ago was this? Does your heart still burn with that desire?
2. What serious obstacles threaten your ambition? Do you have the courage and discipline to go for it, despite the seeming insurmountable obstacles and the misgivings of the people around you? Are you still determined to stake your claim?
3. Do you remember Caleb? Doesn’t his audacity and determination to take the hill country of the giants with large and fortified cities, at age eighty-five, challenge you (Joshua 14:12)? What drove him? What was the source of his unbridled determination?
4. Can you please slowly reread the last part of the verse? “… but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as I said” (v. 12c). Do you see why Joshua couldn’t deny Caleb’s request but blessed him with Hebron for inheritance? (v.13)
5. Now, are you determined for success in life? Do you know the character that separates greatness from mediocrity? Have you considered the determination that comes from faith? Can you flavor it with the audacity of Caleb and proclaim to the skeptics and cynics, “I acknowledge the physical obstacles and personal limitations that confront me, but, the Lord helping me, I will …”, and go for it?

I pray you don’t give up on what you have set out to do, in the face of adversity or the daunting challenges that confront you. Rather, may you look to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of your faith, and draw strength and courage for victory.

May the Lord help you to persevere through every challenging situation and honor your determination to overcome until you accomplish the purposes of God for your life in Jesus. Amen!

Shalom