Two characters in the Bible that I love are Joshua and Caleb. The Israelites had just come out of Egypt. They were heading for the land of Canaan, and God gave them a promise. Here it is: “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared…I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run” (Exodus 23:20, 27). What a great promise!
Well, the Israelites get to the border of Canaan, and they send twelve spies in to investigate, including Joshua and Caleb. When they get back, ten of the spies say, “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large” (Numbers 13:27-28).
Upon hearing this pessimistic report, the people were swept up in it. They were ready to fire Moses and to go back to slavery in Egypt! In stepped Joshua and Caleb, and they say, “Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them” (Numbers 14:9).
Do you hear the hope in these words? And the confidence in these words? And the optimism? We ask, “Where did that come from?” It came from believing in the promise of God! Living hope like that does not come from knowing the promises of God. Living hope comes from believing in the promises of God.
Let me leave with you with just a few of God’s promises to you and me.
“Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life…” -Psalm 23:6
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” -Hebrews 13:5
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” -Romans 8:28
When darkness creeps in, when trials overwhelm, repeat these verses over and over. Let God’s promises to you be your reason for a living hope today.
Written by Dr. Gordon Griffin, GCPS Instructor of Bible and Ministry and Preacher at Hebron Christian Church, Winder, GA
