Memorize: And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak” Judges 1:20
Devotional Reading: Judges 1:9-20
It was customary for travellers in Switzerland to bring home clusters of the edelweiss plant. The flower is not sought because of its beauty or for its fragrance, but in recognition of its ability to live and bloom under hard conditions. It grows on the Alps and Pyrenees; at lofty altitudes, where almost nothing else thrives and on crags difficult to access as well as among the hardest of all plants.
A Christian life with these kind of characteristics endures, overcomes persecution and rises above all obstacles. Caleb, one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to Canaan, is the subject of the text. While ten of the spies gave an evil report of the inability of Israel to conquer the land because of claims that they looked like grasshoppers in comparison to the sons of Anak (giants), Caleb and Joshua confessed faith-filled word. The result was that these two men got exactly what they confessed. Though it took forty-five years for the fulfilment of the promise, because Israel wandered in the wilderness longer than the plan of God due to unbelief, Caleb at 85 years, was still strong in faith. He possessed his inheritance through the defeat of the sons of Anak.
He rose above antagonism and life obstacles to victory. “I am able.” This is a good motto for life in general. Too many people shrink from anything that is hard. They want only easy tasks. They fear to grapple with difficulties. They attempt nothing which they know they cannot do easily. They never grow in strength, for only in attempting hard things can one gain the ability to do things noble and beautiful.
The habit of giving up easily is fatal. It weakens the will, paralyzes the energy and stunts the growth of life. What a man thinks he cannot do, he cannot do. But what he thinks he can do, he truly can execute. Jesus Christ, our Lord and saviour fulfilled His ministry on earth, despite all oppositions, persecutions and trials. He upheld faith that made him rise above all obstacles. If we truly belief and trust in God, we will not quit in the face of challenges and oppositions. I will like you to have a determination and make a faith filled resolution that this year 2020, regardless of whatever happens, you will be a suceess and not a failure in Jesus name.
I also pray for you that this year 2020, you will be courageous and your words will be filled with faith in the name of Jesus.
May the Lord give you faith and courage that will enable you rise above all obstacles in Jesus name.
Prayer point: Father, No matter what comes my way, please help my faith to be steadfast on you.
Key Dose: Remember that what you believe, you recieve.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
