November 2007: Remember Your Mountain!

“As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day
that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day;
for thou heardest in that
day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were
great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.” (Joshua 14:11-12)

Normally, mountains are seen to be obstacles that we need to surmount, overcome and destroy. What about having a different perspective? What about considering your “mountain” as a yet-to-be accomplishment?

When Caleb was 40 years of age, he was one of 12 spies that Moses sent to spy out the land of Canaan. Only he and Joshua returned to Moses with a good report of being able to possess the land. The other 10 spies gave an evil report that filled the hearts of the people with fear which engendered a lack of faith and trust in God so the people refused to take the land. In fact, they wanted to choose another leader, apart from Moses, so they could go back to Egypt! (Numbers 14:4) They took 40 days to spy out the land (Numbers 13:25) and, because of their rebellion, God declared that for each day they spied out the land they would spend a year in the wilderness. “After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.” (Numbers 14:34) God stated clearly that only Joshua and Caleb would see the Promised Land and would receive it as an inheritance for themselves and their children.

Can you see the picture - 45 years later, at the age of 85, Caleb approached Joshua and reminded him of those days and what God promised. In spite of his he obvious increase in age and what we might think would be a normal weakness in body and possibly the mind, Caleb declared that “As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.” (Joshua 14:11-12)

Caleb had no doubt whatsoever of his ability, strength and what rightfully belonged to him. In all those 40 years of wanderings, being an innocent party sharing in other people’s punishment, seeing friends and family die in the wilderness, Caleb did not let go of or forget what was promised to him by the Faithful One, God Himself.

He recognised that his desired mountain was still available, still within reach. Yes, it was located right where the giants were but he had confidence that God would be with him to complete the work of driving them out. When Joshua blessed Caleb and gave him the land, Caleb did indeed possess it “…and the land had rest from war.” (Joshua 14:15)

Please, do not forsake the possession of your own mountain because of the passing of years or because those who seem to own it now appear bigger, stronger and more at ease with it. No, remember our God is faithful and cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). Take note, the biggest giants you will ever face are those within your own mind. Drive out those giants that oppose God and His plan for your life with the Word of God, prayer and meditation with a heart of praise and thanksgiving; possess what is yours and let your life have peace.

Written by Rev Marjorielyn R Campbell, ^©Petra Global Ministries2007

E-mail: admin@petraglobal.org.uk

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“Reprinted/Copied/Distributed with the permission of:

Rev Marjorielyn R Campbell