A Better View

Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once, and take possession; for we are well able to overcome it. Numbers 13:30 (NIV)

Bimbo was his name and self-confidence was his claim. 

Actually, he claimed the straw laundry basket in my parents’ bedroom. Every night we tossed our dirty laundry into that basket, and every night the fierce beast spit foul noises at us. At least I, a trembling five year old, thought he was a beast. Terrified, I tiptoed into the room, tossed in my clothes and ran for my life! Ridiculous, since Bimbo was a tiny Chihuahua. But he didn’t think he was tiny!

Joshua and Caleb of the Old Testament possessed the same confidence. God instructed Moses to send twelve spies to check out the land of Canaan. Ten of the spies feared the inhabitants of the land, seeing themselves as grasshoppers next to the giant men. But not Joshua and Caleb. They saw past their size and trusted God could help them conquer the land. 

So often we see ourselves as grasshoppers, looking up at the sole of a giant’s heavy foot. Fear keeps us from our promised land. God offers a better view: We can walk in self-confidence, knowing it is He who goes before us.

Lord, help me look past my own limitations and look to you for boldness. Remind me to confidently share my life with others. Amen.