“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” – Joshua 14:11 . These are the word of Caleb, an 85 years old man who followed the Lord our God whole heartedly.
God spoke with me through these words when I was going through continuous discouragements in and around my life. When everything seemed to go in the negative direction despite of my prayers.
We know that Caleb was one among the 12 spies who were sent by Moses to spy the Promised Land, the Canaan. Caleb and Joshua brought a very good positive report about Canaan, while the rest made the hearts of the people to melt with fear. The Lord our God promised the land that Caleb tread as his own possession as he followed God whole heartedly.
Now it has been 45 years since Caleb received God’s promise, 40 years of silence, 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, 40 years of punishment for the people who tested God and Caleb was also part of it even though he followed God, no clues for God’s promise. But these trials didn’t affect Caleb’s strength; he proclaims that he has the same strength as he had in his 40 years.
How is our strength in fact our spiritual strength when we walk midst of trials, when there is a Big silence from God and when our promises tarry?? Do we get strengthened or we get weakened in our trust and in our walk with God. We are called to proclaim like Caleb did; though I walk amidst of trials, though I don't see God's answers to my questions, I will never give up and I will never lose my strength.
When Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were put into furnace, we read the furnace was heated seven times than usual , these three lad were tightly bound and thrown into the furnace. The hefty soldiers were killed by the heat but these three lads were not affected. We read that the Son of God was walking with them and the lads were found to be walking with him freely and they were not hurt!!!
When they were brought out of the furnace, we read that "the fire had no power upon their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed; neither were their garments scorched or changed in colour or condition, nor had even the smell of smoke clung to them." - Daniel 3:27
Yes, our Lord even wants us to be in the same way in times of trouble. Believe firmly that the trials and the difficulties can never ever overcome us. When we walk through the trials, remember that we are not walking alone, He also walks with us. When we walk with Him, the trials and the sufferings can never have power over our life and soul. He calls us to a life where even the smell of the trials will not be seen on us. There shouldn't be traces of bitterness, anger and grievances in our hearts. We are ought to be filled with joy and peace as we know He is in control of everything intimes of trouble.
He has allowed the troubles and trials in our life for a good reason, to strengthen us more in Him. God can make a mushroom overnight but He takes many years and many storms to build a mighty Oak. Yes, a strong and matured spiritual life can never be built overnight, it comes through years and years of tough times and trails we face.
"when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing" - James 1:2-4
Yes, get into the feet of our Lord, if you have murmured against Him or if you have bitterness against the people who lead you into the trials. Strengthen yourself in His mighty power and grace! Never ever give up when you walk through trials! Never miss your fellowship with the Lord our God and let the purpose of the trials God allowed in your life gets fulfilled completely!!! We are called to be Mighty Oak in God's field and not mushrooms!!!
