Grasshoppers and Giants

But my servant Caleb thinks differently and follows me completely. Numbers 14:24 (NCV)

My dad is a pastor and he will often share his excitement about a study he is in. His latest is Caleb, and the fact that Caleb followed God completely. My curiosity always inspires me to gather my own information and I immediately found a message for me; for us!

Caleb was one of twelve spies asked to scout out the land of Canaan, the land God had promised to the Israelites. They found beautiful fertile land, truly flowing with milk and honey, and heavily fortified cities; one with giants.

After forty days, they returned with their report. Ten of the men gave the people a bad report. They said the land was too large to conquer and the people there were so large, they made the spies feel like grasshoppers and look like grasshoppers. Caleb boldly told these ten to be quiet and said, "We should certainly go up and take the land for ourselves. We can certainly do it." He had complete faith in God's promise.

The people of Israel began to complain against their leaders and threatened to kill Caleb and Joshua. Caleb's response was, "If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land and give us that fertile land. Don't turn against the Lord! Don't be afraid of the people in that land! We will chew them up. They have no protection, but the Lord is with us, so don't be afraid of them."

When we face very difficult decisions or circumstances, are we going to see ourselves as grasshoppers, like the ten spies did? Does the opinion of the world make more sense to us? To the world we may look small and insignificant, and we probably feel alone at times with the standard we have set. It is easy to forget God's character and the mighty things He has already accomplished in our lives.

On the other hand, Caleb was a giant in his faith! He didn't see the obstacles of human force; he trusted God's promise to deliver them into the Promised Land. More importantly, he voiced that controversial opinion and followed God completely. He remembered the miracles God used to lead and protect them.

Read the entire story in Numbers 13 and 14 to find out the demise of the people who rejected God and His promise, and the reward Caleb received for his faith. When God asks you to take a step of faith, trust Him. His word is true. Don't be afraid. God has brought you this far. Don't doubt His ability to take care of the big issues in your life.

Heavenly Father, help us to trust You for the big things in our lives. We want to be giants in our faith and follow you completely.

Janet Stutzman