A MAN OF COURAGE
Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day;
(Joshua 14:12a NKJV)
Courage is in short supply these days. There are many definitions of courage, but one that resonates with me is: “Doing the right thing in the face of opposition.” Today, we often see people going along with the flow, even when it leads them to make the wrong choices. It truly takes guts to swim against the tide and make the right decisions in life. The easy route is to blend in, follow what everyone else is doing, and let the fear of judgment steer your actions, like taking a poll and simply going with the crowd.
There’s a man in the Bible named Caleb (Joshua 14:6-12) who stands out as a remarkable figure, known for his extraordinary courage and unwavering faith in God. His story unfolds during a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land after years of wandering in the wilderness.
As one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore Canaan, Caleb exhibited exceptional courage. While the other spies returned with fearful reports about giants and fortified cities, Caleb, alongside Joshua, boldly declared that the Israelites could conquer the land. His confidence came from a deep trust and strong belief in God’s promises, showing that real courage is rooted in faith.
As men, we can learn three things from Caleb’s life:
1. HE CHOSE NOT TO LET THE NEGATIVE MAJORITY INFLUENCE HIM
When ten of the twelve spies delivered a discouraging report, Caleb stood up against them, advocating for the invasion and conquest of Canaan. It would have been easy for him to conform and go along with the majority, letting those ten persuasive leaders have the final word while quietly agreeing.
But Caleb refused to stay silent while the majority turned their backs on God. It’s inspiring that Caleb chose to stand firm for righteousness, even when it meant going against the tide of popular opinion.
2. HE REMAINED FAITHFUL IN ADVERSITY THROUGHOUT HIS LIFETIME
Caleb’s courage wasn’t just a momentary act; it was a lifelong commitment. Even after the Israelites spent forty years wandering in the desert due to their disobedience, Caleb held firmly to his faith, trusting that God would fulfill His promise. His unwavering loyalty to God set him apart and earned him a unique reward (Joshua 14:8-9).
3. HE WAS NO COWARD
At eighty-five years old, Caleb approached Joshua to request the challenging mountainous region of Hebron. His statement in Joshua 14:11, “I am still as strong today as I was the day Moses sent me”, reflects his incredible spirit and willingness to face any challenge. He wasn’t boasting; he knew that his strength came from his steadfast faith in God. Instead of seeking an easy path, he embraced the challenge, embodying true courage.
Caleb lived a legacy of courage, leaving an inspiring example for generations. Caleb’s journey shows us that true courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about choosing to trust God even in the face of fear. His unwavering faith and boldness remind us that, with God’s help, we can confront our own giants and overcome obstacles, regardless of our age or circumstances.
In a world often filled with uncertainty and fear, Caleb inspires us to remain steadfast in our beliefs and to boldly pursue God’s promises, confident that He is with us every step of the way.
Source: Jerry Ruslim (Global Men Coordinator)
