I recently shared with you the incredible faith of Caleb and Joshua in standing against the opinion of the majority regarding taking possession of the land that God had given the nation. Amazingly, there is another facet to this story of faith that is often overlooked and it applies all parents and grandparents!

Because of the failure by the nation of Israel in trusting God’s promise about the Promised land, the entire nation had to spend over 40 years trekking theough the wilderness. Caleb and Joshua had shown real trust in God’s word when the test came those many years ago, but how would they handle the test of time? Of wandering for over 40 years without even seeing the promised inheritance?

We aren’t good at long waits! Where was God’s promise? Finally, after 45 years they reached the entry to the land! Would Caleb still be pursuing the inheritance of land God gave him?

Listen ! (Joshua 14::7! “I was forty years old when Moses the servant of The Lord sent me from Kadesh-Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought him word again as it was in my heart”. (14:10)…”And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me…(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 The Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as The Lord said!”

Here he is at eighty five, fully prepared to do battle with the giants for his inheritance! Not in his own strength, but if The Lord was with him he felt he could not fail! Friends, God has given us great and precious promises! Have you taken possession of them? Are you persevering despite trials and testings? God promises to be with you!

When Caleb arrived, he took the hill country! The giants were conquered! God was with him! Furthermore, in chapter 15:17-19 we learn that his daughter Aksah wanted some of the inheritance as well! “Give me a blessing!…”Since you have given me the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water”.

Folks, the children want what the father enjoys! I can see Caleb around the campfire for 45 years describing the beauty of the land. Aksah was listening. She saw his eyes sparkle as he talked about it. Our children don’t always do what we say but they usually do what we do. Where would your children say your inheritance is? Peter said that we have ” An inheritance that is imperishable, undefined and unfading kept in heaven for you”. 1 Peter 1:4

Parents and grandparents, wIth God’s help, go in and take possession of what He has given you!

Terry