JOSHUA 14:8
but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.
TO PONDER
This little interaction between Joshua and Caleb, is a throwback to another story found in Numbers 13 and 14, when Moses sent spies out to scout out the promised land. What's interesting about that story is that all the spies witnessed the same thing, a land filled with strong people and fortified cities. But while 10 of the 12 spies came back trembling with fear and doubt, Joshua and Caleb came back and said the land was beautiful, and God would deliver it to them.
It's crazy how much our attitude can affect our perspective. Because they demonstrated faith and trust in God, Joshua and Caleb were the only people of that generation to enter the promised land. God's purpose for choosing and establishing Israel as his chosen people was to draw all nations to himself. That through the people of Israel, God would make himself known through all the earth.
Following the Lord wholeheartedly is what distinguished Joshua and Caleb from the rest of their generation. It also is part of what sets us apart as God's people today. If we only follow God when it suits us or when it feels safe and comfortable to do so, how does that give God the oppportunity to show his greatness in our circumstances? How do we ever expect to have stories to tell others of the amazing things God has done for us, if we only ever let ourselves into circumstances where we know we can control the outcomes on our own terms?
Follow the Lord wholeheartedly this week and see what he does to make himself known as you do that. I think you might be amazed.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I know I often follow you half-heartedly. I ask for help only when I'm out of my depth, rather than seeking you first in all things. I know I need your forgiveness but often am slow to forgive others. Please help me to follow you wholeheartedly so that as I follow you, others may see your work in my life and come to know your goodness also. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle