Whole-Hearted Faith

Whose report will you believe?

My Bible tells me that we are the children of God. We are people of faith who love Jesus; we are winning, in spite of all the negatives around us. So, I ask you – whose report will you believe? In Numbers chapter 13, after scouting out the land that was promised to the Israelites, Caleb refused the fear-driven reports and chose to trust in the Lord. Others who investigated into the inhabitability of Canaan ran back with tales of giants and danger. Caleb brought a faith-filled report of sustenance and beauty and God’s provision, and God proclaimed the area of Hebron would be Caleb’s reward in the “land of milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8). But it did not happen right away. Look at Joshua 14:6-12 --

“I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, 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. So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.’

Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day.” (NIV)

You see, the Bible tells us that when Moses sent twelve men into Canaan land to spy, ten of the men came back with a “disheartening report.” But Joshua and Caleb came back with a report of faith and courage and victory. Caleb had been faithful and trusted God with all his heart. In fact, the name Caleb means “faithful, whole-hearted, loyalty.”

I believe the body of Christ is equipped with Calebs. Are you one of them?

Caleb followed the Lord with all his heart. Are you putting your whole heart into your calling? You are appointed to make a mark on life. Even the little things we do for the glory of God can impact thousands of people for the good.
Caleb took a stand. Are you standing on the promises God has made? Are you confident in your calling? When others speak against your goals, do you stand firm on the surety of your convictions?
Caleb spoke up. Get vocal about the faithfulness of the God you serve. Drown out the narrow-minded negativity with declarations of divine determination. No matter how many nay-sayers and how loud their fear grows, be the voice of victory.