Joshua 14:11-14 "As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. (12) Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said. (13) And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance. (14) Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel."
"As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. ... Now therefore give me this mountain..." Caleb was a great man of faith. He did not seek the limelight. He was content to follow and do what needed to be done. He wasn't looking for a name for himself nor fame nor fortune. He simply wanted to walk with the Lord. He was quite satisfied in giving honor and glory unto the Lord. Quite honestly, I believe that describes many Christians today.
Caleb never forgot the day when the 10 spies rebelled against God. He saw the
result of their rebellion and was intent upon maintaining his stance of faith.
In fact, Caleb is only mentioned once in the forty years between the rebellion
and the receiving of the promise of God. We read Moses speaking God's words in
Deuteronomy 1:35-36, "Surely there shall not one of these men of this
evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers,
Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the
land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly
followed the LORD." Caleb was only mentioned this one time in the writing
of Moses, but be assured God never forgot his faithfulness. And be assured
Caleb never forgot God's faithfulness; therefore when the time came, Caleb said...
"Give me this mountain.. if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall
be able to drive them out, as the LORD said." You see that mountain was
the site of the great walled cities and the giants in the land which had struck
fear into the hearts of the 10 spies. When Caleb mentioned his strength was the
same as 45 years ago, he was boasting of the Lord, not himself. For he knew
that all his strength and ability was God-given. And now, Caleb is
maintaining his stance: "If God will bless me, I will drive them
out." Lord, please help me to maintain that stance of faith.. If it
be God's will and with His blessings, then I shall.... "
1
Encamped along the hills of light, Ye Christian soldiers rise,
And press the battle ere the night Shall veil the glowing skies;
Against the foe in vales below Let all our strength be hurled;
Faith is the victory, we know, That overcomes the world.
Refrain:
Faith is the victory!
Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory,
That overcomes the world.
2
His banner over us is love, Our sword the Word of God;
We tread the road the saints before With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath, Swept on o’er every
field;
The faith by which they conquered death Is still our shining
shield. (Refrain)