Well Able
And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. ~Numbers 13:30
I like to be around people who are filled with faith and a positive attitude. There is an incredible stimulation of energy and desire that is produced by people who can see what others cannot see and accomplish what others are not willing to accomplish. This morning, we are challenged by the faith of Caleb at a very critical juncture of Israel’s journey. Consider with me what Caleb saw that made the difference between victory and defeat.
They saw the grapes.
Moses sent twelve spies into Kadesh-Barnea to search out the land. The purpose of this survey was to bring back a favorable report to encourage the hearts of the congregation. They ventured into the land of Eshcol. This was a very fertile and fruitful area. The Israelites had never seen produce that was equal to what Eshcol contained. The cluster of grapes was so massive that it required two men to carry a cluster hung on a staff. These grapes may have been the size of apples! The grapes were an indication that the land was flowing with “milk and honey” as God said it would!
They saw the giants.
Ten of the spies gave a glowing report about the grapes and produce, but then they said the following: “Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.” Ten of the spies decided that Israel could not overcome the inhabitants of the land and the massive walls that protected their cities. They saw the children of Anak, which was an ancient civilization of giants. They saw these giants and decided that this was not the place where they should be. The sight of these giants led them to discourage the hearts of the people. Whenever there is a faith endeavor, be prepared. There will be giants in your pathway.
They saw grasshoppers.
This same group compared themselves to the giants and said, “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” Can you imagine this? They said that they were like grasshoppers when compared to the giants. They were filled with fear instead of faith. They saw the impossible instead of the possible. They saw defeat instead of victory. They instilled a spirit of pessimism and negativity that spread like wildfire.
Caleb saw God.
Caleb saw the giants, the walled fortified cities, and the military strength of the Canaanites. Caleb saw the same things as the other ten spies. However, he and Joshua were men of faith, determination, and courage. Caleb said, “We are well able to overcome it.” Caleb knew that God had promised this land to them. He had a spirit of faith. He knew that “without faith it is impossible to please him.” He knew that they were more than conquerors through Him that loved them. Fresh in his mind were the plagues that God sent to Egypt that demonstrated the matchless power of God. Fresh in his mind was the awesome spectacle of the parting of the Red Sea and all of the Israelites walking through it on a dry seabed! He knew that giants were no problem to God. He knew that walled cities were not a problem to God. God’s Word about Caleb was recorded that “he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully.” Caleb possessed a heroic spirit, a humble spirit, and a holy spirit. We are well able!
Don’t doubt what God has promised you. We are well able!
Have a faith-inspired God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Ezra 1-3