The Lord Has Kept Me Alive…

We are now in 2023 – a new year – a blank slate. Even though we may have determined to do some things differently and may already have messed those plans up – there is still a great opportunity to seize the day and begin again.

In my Bible reading today I came across the story of Caleb, and this year I took it personal:

“Now, as you can see, the Lord has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise—even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. ¹¹ I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. ¹² So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me. Joshua 14:10-12 (NLT)

As I read of Caleb standing in faith for his mountain for forty-five years; standing against all the unbelief and negativity of those around him. He watched companion after companion, friend and family alike die in the wilderness due to their unbelief. Yet as we see above, Caleb (and Joshua), God kept them alive.

Caleb did not forget that he was promised a certain hill country by Moses, and he came to Joshua and reminded him of it, and also that he was strong enough to take it from its’ inhabitants. Oh for such a faith as this! I determined then I want to move in that faith to yet seize promises I felt were made to me many years ago, and not be intimidated by the passing of years.

I encourage you as well – look at that “hill country” that God promised you – remember, God has kept you alive – perhaps for such a time as this!

Maria