5 Smooth Stones

I see another example in the life of Caleb, who, along with Joshua was one of two spies who brought a good report and did not compare the giants of the land to themselves or their own abilities, but compared the giants to God's calling and God's ability in the context of God’s promises. Yet because of the unbelief of the majority of the congregation Caleb had to wait 40 more years to accomplish his ultimate calling. In Hebrew Caleb means “dog!” Interestingly God says of Caleb that he “was of a di ff erent spirit and wholly followed the Lord.” Like a faithful dog, or furry companion, Caleb did not allow the delay between his calling and his commissioning to keep him from his day for victory, nor did he allow it to be a time wasted, but utilized his time in the wilderness to continue to learn to hear and follow the voice of the Lord. Caleb is the only person in scripture of whom it is wri tt en he wholly or fully followed the Lord, and it says Caleb was of a di ff erent spirit (Numbers 14:24; 32:11, 12; Deuteronomy 1:36; Joshua 14:8, 9, 14.) Numbers 14:24 “But My servant Caleb, because he has a di ff erent spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it.” Like a faithful companion, he was ready to go at the beginning. But like a well trained dog, he would stay when he heard his master say “stay” and go when he heard “go” and a tt ack when he heard “a tt ack.” We also would be wise to embrace the example of David and Caleb and so many others who having received their dream, their vision, their calling - utilized the time of preparation and polishing to be processed and prepared. Not rushing in prematurely, nor ignoring the day of training, mentoring and practice, but rather being strengthened in the abilities so as to be always ready and when the opportunity should present itself to rise to the call. 1 Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”

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