Suffering: Dream-Hating Kin, Like Caleb

Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him…

Genesis 37:5 (NASB)

Caleb silenced the people before Moses, and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”

But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.”

Numbers 13:30-31 (NIV)

Maybe because I’m in my senior years, Caleb’s “go-get-em” mindset inspires me.* He was a God-believing optimist.

As the oldest man to cross the Jordan, Caleb stayed ready and able to fight. He previewed it on the Exodus trip, when he rose above his dream-hating kin.

  • Because they saw giants, while he saw God.

  • They feared failure, while he claimed victory.

  • They whined in weakness, while he spoke in strength.

  • They said no to Moses, while he said yes…

Caleb survived a 40-year impasse, while doubters denied their own destinies. Over time, Caleb outlasted them all, as God took the naysayers off the field.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

If I was a “betting” kind of lady (which I am, in terms of betting on God:), I’d wager you’ve faced Christian deniers: family or friends who don’t get your dream.

If you have, you're in the best of company. In addition to Caleb, the senior, consider Joseph, David, and Jesus, because each of them faced belittling kin. Just do exactly what each of them did.

Keep loving the people who don’t get you, but don’t accept their negativity. Instead, walk forward with resolution.

 As “old” Caleb thrived in the Promised Land, you’ll thrive, too, if you refuse to give up.

Suffering: Dream-Hating Kin, Like Caleb (Part 38)

* Short article: Bible Character Study on Caleb

* Short article: What is the story of Joshua and Caleb in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban