GOD’S INVITATIONS

Matthew 11:28

There is something very powerful about an invitation. Knowing that someone cares enough about you to desire our presence and invite us to a meeting can have a profound impact. In fact, few things appeal to us as much as receiving a personal invitation to an important event.

Time and again the Bible extends to man the invitation to enter into personal fellowship with God and to be a colleague and partner in bringing redemption to this lost and needy world. Someone has said that the Bible is a book of divine invitations to man, asking him to be God's partner in his plan to redeem the world.

Although some of these invitations can fill us with joy and happiness, making us feel treasured and special, others fill us with fear as we recognize that they are opportunities for us to mature and grow. But no matter the emotion the invitation may produce, they are always extended from a Heart of perfect love. They all require a response.

An Invitation to Wait: (Psalm 62:5, Psalm 40:1, Isaiah 40:31)

For some, the hardest thing in our lives is waiting. God's most common invitation is to wait. Almost every important person in the Scriptures had to go through times of waiting. Noah waited 40 days in the Ark during the storm, and then 150 days before disembarking when the rain stopped. Moses waited 40 years in Midian and 40 more years in the desert. Israel waited 400 years to be liberated from Egypt. David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Gideon, Elijah, Paul, Peter, and countless other biblical heroes were forged in the crucible we call “the waiting.”

For many of us, this is an invitation we would prefer to ignore. It requires us to let go of our need to control people and circumstances and to truly trust God. It requires us to let go of our own agendas, our unrealistic things and expectations, to believe that God is in control and that His timing is much better than ours.

We live in a world governed by an addiction to haste. Fast food, short lines, quick conversations, light prayers, short meetings, etc., everything tries to be efficient and productive. Technology, which has provided an easier life for this generation than any before, has complicated our obsession with immediate results. We have reached the point where we cannot wait, and the main characteristic of our society is impatience. The Scriptures tell us that patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, cultivated and increased in our hearts by the willingness to surrender our chaotic lives to God and wait on Him. But authentic faith recognizes that God will act where one is, whether He is just willing to wait for it.

God requires those who wait on Him to abandon their hectic lives, to recognize His absolute presence, and to draw near to Him in all reverence and devotion. He invites them to approach his presence in humility, but in trust, ensuring that each of his words and actions express love and gratitude to God.

An Invitation to Worship: (John 4:23)

Worship is truly one of the most important and frequently expressed concepts in the Bible. God invites everyone who is called by his name to worship him in spirit and truth. Worship occurs in response to the invitation, prompting, and enabling of God Himself. It is mentioned in various forms hundreds of times in the Scriptures. God invites men and women to be worshipers, true worshipers, who through dedicated and obedient lives worship Him in spirit and in truth.

God requires those who wait on Him to abandon their hectic lives, to recognize His absolute presence, and to draw near to Him in all reverence and devotion. He invites them to come into his presence in his humility, but in trust, ensuring that each of his words and actions express love and gratitude to God.

An Invitation to Follow: (Matt. 4:19-20)

Following someone requires true humility, careful attention, and the need to take risks. Following another required him to put aside his own will to follow the leader. We all have the potential to be a leader at some level. But in a culture obsessed with leadership, no one wants to be a follower.

Yet that is exactly what God intends when he invites us to come and follow him. When we accept his invitation, we give him permission to develop our character and shape our hearts. We are no longer the crude characters we used to be, doing what we feel like doing. Now we must accept the challenge of following Him, turning when He turns, stopping when He stops, taking another path when He takes another path, loving who He loves, and serving whom He serves.

There are over 1,400 references in Scripture to people serving. Some are slaves, but others God calls “his friends,” and they are described as servants, and function as examples of what God Himself values. They surrendered their lives in total and joyful submission and accepted his invitation to humble themselves and follow him.

The invitation to rest: (Matthew 11:28)

Since the beginning of human history, man has been a restless creature. Far from God, man is a dangerous, indomitable being. He lacks the peace of mind that only comes from God through the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

The current epidemic of divorce, alcoholism, and immorality is a direct result of the destructive nature of sin. This diabolical unrest has gripped our world like a contagious disease and has become the root cause of domestic, social, and political problems. This spiritual restlessness that governs the life of human beings is the primary cause of immorality in the world.

Psychologists, who have studied how the mind works, confess that psychology is not capable of solving all people's mental and emotional problems. Sociologists, trained in the art of social science, confess that sociology cannot solve the tremendous problems regarding human relationships. Political leaders have pointed out the moral decay in the people, but we cannot help but notice that none of them indicate how to restore the moral integrity that humanity urgently needs to avoid destruction. Many political leaders have privately confessed that they do not know how to deal with the moral dilemma.

On the other hand, there is currently a promising sign: many people realize their great spiritual and moral needs. Many eminent people who were once cynical today admit that our people need a transformation that will cleanse them of callousness, deception, and immorality.

Restlessness can be seen in almost every sphere of life. This spirit of restlessness, which manifests itself in many ways, is basically due to the separation between the human heart and Christ who is the author of peace. These people, who feel and suffer their insecurity, could find spiritual peace and physical rest by giving their lives to Jesus Christ (Isaiah 57:20, Deuteronomy 28:67). We need to bring lost and needy souls into the presence of the Savior, who said, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

The invitation to discipleship; (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 3:13-15)

We are saved to serve; redeemed to bear spiritual fruit, taken into the net of the gospel so that we may become fishers of men. The invitation to discipleship should inspire everyone. Imagine! Is it not a privilege to be a partner with God in the redemption and renewal of the world? Jesus said, "If anyone serves me, let him follow me; and where I am, there my servant will also be. If anyone serves me, my Father will honor him" (John 12:26). Discipleship allows us to be intimately associated with Christ, and by faithfully fulfilling the responsibilities of true discipleship, we receive the approval and favor of God Himself.

Would you like to lay up treasures in heaven? Then put off anything that hinders you and get to work in the Lord's vineyard. There are opportunities to work everywhere. Some of your neighbors need Christ, his children are still unconverted, and your business colleagues have seen very little of Jesus Christ in you. I invite you in the name of Christ to become an efficient fisher of men.

How can I become a disciple of Christ? The answer is found in God's Word: "Whoever would come after me must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me," says Jesus. Before you can follow Jesus Christ and be his disciple, selfishness must be crucified, so that Christ may be preeminent in his heart and life.

Jesus also said: "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples." The word disciple means one who learns, a student, a follower. Salvation may be instantaneous, but discipleship is something we learn from Jesus Christ. We have to know the word of God before teaching it. So, the second requirement for discipleship is: to remain in "my word", and if we do this we will become true disciples.

Also from the lips of Jesus, we hear: "By this, my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so are my disciples" (John 15:8). If the self is crucified and the spirit has dominion, the fruits of discipleship will inevitably be seen in our lives.

A true disciple of Christ will bear the fruit of the Spirit, which is: "Charity, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." This is produced in our lives by the Holy Spirit. By submitting our will to the will of God, he produces this supernatural fruit in our lives. The people with whom we have to interact every day will see that we have been with Jesus. We are going to reflect the character of Christ. The secret of a Christian life is Christ living in us and producing fruit.

The invitation to live in the presence of God and under his dominion (John 15:4-10)

Personal salvation is not an occasional encounter; it consists of dwelling with God. Christianity is not a hobby; it is a permanent vocation. David, rejoicing that his life was in God's hands, said in Psalm 91: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will dwell under the shadow of the Almighty." If you study this Psalm well, you will discover that in God we have a permanent home and that all the comfort, security, and affection that the human heart desires are found in him.

Psychiatrists say that one of man's basic needs is security. This Psalm assures us that in God we have the greatest security. Listen: "No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your dwelling place. For he will command his angels to guard you in all your ways..."

Another basic need of humanity is affection. Again David says in Psalm 91: "Because his love has set upon me, I will also deliver him: I will exalt him, because he has known my name." He who abides in God is the object of divine care and love.

The world has never seen a greater love than that of God manifested in his Son Christ Jesus. The heart of the gospel message is summed up in these significant words from Romans 5:8: "But God shows his love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." 

These invitations come directly from the lips of Christ himself. No man has ever found complete rest in anyone apart from Christ. To the multitudes of the labored, burdened, and afflicted, he invites: "Come to me... and I will give you rest." Do you want to know rest, joy, peace, security, and love? Do you want to experience what it means to belong? Give your life and heart completely to Christ. I promise you that you can obtain peace with God, peace of soul, peace of mind, and a joy you have never known before.

 

CONOCIENDO LA VOLUNTAD DE DIOS PARA TU VIDA

Proverbios 3:5-6

¿Alguna vez te has preguntado cuál es la voluntad de Dios para tu vida? La voluntad de Dios para tu vida es más obvia de lo que piensas. Dios esencialmente está diciendo: "Dame tu vida y te mostraré mi voluntad". Dios tiene un plan y un propósito para tu vida. Pero para conocer la voluntad de Dios, debes presentarte voluntariamente a Él sin reservas. Conocer la voluntad de Dios a veces es difícil porque requiere paciencia. Es natural querer saber toda la voluntad de Dios a la vez, pero Él no obra así. Él nos lo revela paso a paso, cada paso es un paso de fe.

No somos víctimas del azar, esperando que nuestra suerte aguante. Dios tiene un plan para nuestras vidas. Él tiene una voluntad que quiere revelarnos. Él quiere hablarnos y nos habla. La razón por la que no lo escuchamos es que no hemos aprendido a sintonizarnos. Dios no juega al escondite. Él está más interesado en revelarnos su voluntad que nosotros en conocerla. Con demasiada frecuencia hacemos que escuchar la voz de Dios y conocer su voluntad sea demasiado místico.

Cuando buscamos conocer la voluntad de Dios, a veces sentimos aprensión. En un deseo sincero de agradarle, a veces podemos caminar con temor de tomar una decisión equivocada en los detalles de nuestra vida. Cada elección se convierte en una decisión paralizante. Para algunos, obsesionarse con los detalles de la vida los lleva a tomar decisiones de maneras claramente anti bíblicas, basando sus elecciones en signos y coincidencias aparentes. A menudo, queremos que Dios nos dé detalles específicos, dónde trabajar, dónde vivir, con quién casarnos, qué auto comprar, etc. Dios nos permite tomar decisiones y, si nos rendimos a Él, Él tiene maneras de evitarlo decisiones equivocadas (Hechos 16:6-7).

Cuanto mejor conocemos a una persona, más nos familiarizamos con sus deseos. Por ejemplo, una esposa cuando está de compras encuentra una camisa o un pantalón en oferta y se los compra a su marido. Ella no tiene que pedirle consejo en cada situación particular; ella sabe que a su marido le gustará porque conoce a su marido. Lo mismo es cierto en nuestra relación con Dios. Al caminar con el Señor, obedecer Su Palabra y confiar en Su Espíritu, descubrimos que se nos ha dado la mente de Cristo (1 Corintios 2:16). Lo conocemos y eso nos ayuda a conocer su voluntad. Encontramos la guía de Dios fácilmente disponible. Si caminamos estrechamente con el Señor y realmente deseamos Su voluntad para nuestras vidas, Dios colocará Sus deseos en nuestros corazones. La clave es querer la voluntad de Dios, no la nuestra. “Deléitate en Jehová y Él te concederá los deseos de tu corazón” (Salmo 37:4).

UNA VOLUNTAD, DOS PUNTOS DE VISTA

La Biblia presenta la única voluntad de Dios de dos maneras principales: su voluntad secreta y su voluntad revelada. Su voluntad secreta (a veces denominada voluntad oculta) se refiere al hecho de que Dios es soberano y gobierna meticulosamente en general. Nada sucede fuera de su perfecta voluntad. Se llama “oculto” o “secreto” porque no conocemos su voluntad hasta que se cumpla (Isaías 46:9-10). Ésta es la voluntad soberana, pero oculta, de Dios. Y nada lo impedirá.

Por el contrario, la voluntad revelada de Dios es lo que nos ha dado a conocer en las Escrituras. Por ejemplo, sabemos que la voluntad de Dios es que amemos a nuestro prójimo, refrenemos nuestra lengua, actuemos con justicia, amemos la misericordia y caminemos con humildad. Sabemos que es la voluntad de Dios que no

asesinamos, robamos, engañamos, mentimos, calumniamos, chismeamos ni nos jactamos. ¿Cómo lo sabemos, porque él nos lo ha dicho en su Palabra?

ENFOQUE EN LA VOLUNTAD REVELADA DE DIOS

Somos propensos a pasar por alto la voluntad revelada de Dios y a concentrarnos demasiado en su voluntad secreta. A menudo queremos conocer la voluntad oculta de Dios para el futuro, mientras caminamos en contra de su voluntad revelada en el presente. Debemos estudiar diligentemente y tratar de comprender la voluntad revelada de Dios. A medida que escuchemos la Palabra de Dios predicada o enseñada, leyendo y estudiando nuestras Biblias, creceremos en nuestra capacidad de conocer la voluntad revelada de Dios. Y a medida que renovamos nuestra mente, el Espíritu de Dios nos ayudará no sólo a discernir la voluntad de Dios (Ro. 12:2), sino también a aplicarla a las circunstancias y momentos de nuestros días.

CONFÍE EN LA VOLUNTAD SECRETA DE DIOS

Si bien obedecemos la voluntad revelada de Dios, podemos confiar en la buena providencia de Dios de que, a medida que se revela su voluntad secreta, Él obra todas las cosas para el bien de quienes lo aman (Rom. 8:28). Independientemente de lo que nos deparen nuestros días, podemos confiar en que los detalles están diseñados por un Dios amoroso para el bien de nuestras almas. Ya sea que la decisión del momento implique elegir cónyuge o comprar una casa nueva, podemos confiar en que nuestro Dios soberano ordenará nuestras vidas para su gloria y nuestro bien. Hoy y todos los días, la verdad es clara: es la voluntad de Dios (I Tes. 4:3).

Esto significa que podemos confiar en la voluntad de Dios incluso durante las pruebas. A veces pensamos que el sufrimiento no puede ser la voluntad del Señor. Pero olvidamos que nuestra salvación se obtuvo cuando Jesús se sometió completamente a la voluntad de Dios en el momento de su mayor sufrimiento. Después de vivir en perfecta obediencia a la voluntad revelada de Dios, Jesús, la noche antes de su crucifixión, preguntó a su Padre tres veces si había alguna otra manera de cumplir Su plan. Todo dependía de cómo respondería Jesús a la perfecta voluntad de Dios. Se sometió diciendo: “Hágase tu voluntad” (Mateo 26:42).

Busque conocer la voluntad revelada de Dios. Sea diligente en obedecerlo. Camine en santidad, ame a su prójimo, sea generoso con sus recursos, refrene su lengua y adore a Dios. Confía en que Dios, en su providencia, está obrando todas las cosas para tu bien, y recuerda que lo que actualmente está oculto algún día será revelado en gloria. Mientras esperas con firme esperanza ese día, gracias al Señor porque su voluntad es siempre buena. A menudo queremos conocer la voluntad oculta de Dios para el futuro, mientras caminamos en contra de su voluntad revelada en el presente.

La voluntad de Dios es que todos obedezcan Su Palabra. Esta ha sido Su voluntad desde el principio. A lo largo de las Escrituras, Él nos dice qué hacer y qué no hacer. David oró: “(Señor) enséñame a hacer tu voluntad” (Salmo 143:10). Muchos oran: “Señor, muéstrame tu voluntad” y luego nunca abren la Biblia. Cuando nuestros corazones están rectos ante Él, Él promete enseñarnos. Al enseñarnos, Él nos da entendimiento (1 Juan 2:17).

Para aquellos que verdaderamente buscan la voluntad de Dios, la clave es llegar a ser cada vez más como Él. Si ignoramos la Palabra de Dios, siempre ignoraremos la voluntad de Dios. Cuando estemos en un punto de decisión sobre opciones en la vida, y no sea contrario a la Palabra de Dios, comience a avanzar en esa dirección. Pídele que cierre puertas y abra otras. Lo que entristece el corazón de Dios es cuando deliberadamente tomamos una decisión que entra en conflicto con Su Palabra. Dios nunca nos llevará a hacer algo contrario a Su Palabra escrita.

CÓMO CONOCER LA VOLUNTAD DE DIOS

CAMINAR CON DIOS:

Si estás interesado en conocer la voluntad de Dios para tu vida, entonces debes aprender a caminar con Dios. Necesitas desarrollar una relación con Él y cultivarla. Debes buscar conocerlo y no sólo buscar saber acerca de Él.

Cultivará mejor esa relación si dedica tiempo a Su Palabra, se toma tiempo para orar y aprovecha cada oportunidad que pueda para participar en la iglesia y en el estudio de la Biblia. Cuando busques estas disciplinas en tu vida, Dios comenzará a revelarte Su voluntad. (Proverbios 3:5-6)

ENTREGA TU VOLUNTAD A LA DE DIOS:

Muchas veces cuando decimos que estamos buscando la voluntad de Dios, lo que realmente le estamos diciendo a Dios es: “Dios, esto es lo que planeo hacer. Ahora necesito que apruebes esto”. Esto no es eficaz para encontrar la verdadera voluntad de Dios. Antes de que Dios comience a revelarte Su voluntad, debes comprometerte a hacer lo que Él desea que hagas. Es probable que Dios tarde en mostrarte Su voluntad si sabe que probablemente no la harás de todos modos. (Romanos 12:1-2)

OBEDEZCA LO QUE YA SABE QUE ES LA VOLUNTAD DE DIOS:

Muchas personas parecen querer saber cuál es el plan de Dios para sus vidas, pero pasan por alto el hecho de que el 98% de Su voluntad ya está delineada cuidadosamente a través de Su Palabra. Dios es muy claro acerca de muchos aspectos de Su voluntad. Por ejemplo, es claramente Su voluntad que nos abstengamos de la inmoralidad sexual (I Tesalonicenses 4:3).

Si no obedecemos las cosas que Dios nos ha mostrado claramente como Su voluntad, ¿por qué pensaríamos que Él revelaría más información sobre Su voluntad para nuestras vidas? La obediencia es importante si queremos conocer su voluntad.

BUSQUE EL CONSEJO PIADOSO:

Un factor clave para encontrar la voluntad de Dios es buscar la opinión de consejeros piadosos en su vida. Si actualmente no tienes mentores piadosos, te recomiendo encarecidamente que los busques. Básicamente eres una combinación de las personas con las que pasas más tiempo. Por eso, es vital que elijas bien a esas personas. Si elige rodearse de consejeros piadosos, ellos serán fundamentales para ayudarle a discernir el plan de Dios para su vida. Pero si te rodeas de personas que están alejadas de Dios, tu esperanza de encontrar lo mejor para tu vida se verá enormemente disminuida. (Proverbios 11:14)

El libro de Proverbios tiene mucho que decir sobre el valor del consejo sabio (13:10, 20:5). Debemos buscar consejo piadoso y escuchar a personas que verdaderamente aman al Señor y que están firmemente cimentadas en Su Palabra. La iglesia está diseñada para ayudarte enormemente con esto. Cuanto más te involucres con una comunidad de creyentes, mayores serán tus posibilidades de encontrar hombres y mujeres piadosos que puedan ayudarte a discernir la voluntad de Dios. Cuando busques consejo, busca a alguien que también pueda ayudarte espiritualmente y que no tenga motivos ocultos (Isaías 45:20-21, I Pedro 5:5-6, Efesios 5:17-21).

PRESTA ATENCIÓN A LO QUE DIOS TE HA DOTADO:

Dios te ha creado para cumplir un papel específico en este mundo. No hay nadie más que pueda lograr completamente aquello para lo que Dios te ha creado a propósito. El apóstol Pedro nos da esta amonestación: “Cada uno según el don que ha recibido, minístrelo a los otros, como buenos administradores de la multiforme gracia de Dios”. (I Pedro 4:10)

Dios nos ha dotado a cada uno de nosotros para realizar una misión especial para la cual solo nosotros fuimos creados. Cuando busques descubrir la voluntad de Dios para tu vida, presta atención a los dones que Él te ha dado. Su plan para ti siempre estará directamente relacionado con los dones, talentos y habilidades que Él te ha dado. ¡La buena noticia es que automáticamente serás bueno en cualquier cosa para la que Él te haya llamado a hacer!

ESCUCHE EL ESPÍRITU DE DIOS:

Hace muchos años experimenté un importante punto de inflexión en mi vida de oración cuando aprendí simplemente a callarme mientras oraba. Solía ​​​​hablar todo el tiempo cuando oraba a Dios. Pero luego cambié la forma en que me acercaba a Dios a través de la oración. Agregué un componente importante a mi vida de oración: escuchar. Me tomo el tiempo para escuchar lo que Dios podría tener que decirme.

Durante tu tiempo de oración tómate un tiempo para meditar. Experimentarás que Dios comenzará a inundar tu corazón con ideas e información. Qué experiencia tan gloriosa es sentir el Espíritu de Dios hablándole a tu corazón, guiando tus pensamientos y palabras. A través de experiencias como esta, Él te mostrará con gran claridad cuál es Su voluntad para tu vida. Estos tiempos realmente cambian la vida. “Mis ovejas oyen mi voz, y yo las conozco, y ellas me siguen” (Juan 10:27).

ESCUCHA A TU CORAZÓN:

Además de escuchar al Espíritu, escucha tu corazón (Salmo 37:4-5). Cuando caminamos con el Señor, ¡Él nos permitirá hacer muchas cosas que nos encantan hacer! Cuando estás cerca de Él, Él comienza a moldear tus deseos para que desees las cosas que Él ya te ha llamado a hacer.

MIRA TUS CIRCUNSTANCIAS:

Dios a menudo demuestra claramente su plan para nuestras vidas al alinear las circunstancias de manera obvia. También nos muestra cuál no es Su voluntad para que hagamos de esa misma manera. A lo largo de los años, he descubierto que Dios abre y cierra puertas. Le hizo eso al apóstol Pablo (Hechos 16:6-10).

Dios muchas veces usa puertas cerradas para mostrarnos claramente lo que Él no quiere que hagamos. A veces también usa puertas abiertas para mostrarnos lo que Él quiere que hagamos. Esto no significa que cada puerta abierta sea definitivamente la voluntad de Dios, pero sí ayuda a darte una dirección básica.

En Santiago 1:5, se nos anima a buscar la sabiduría de Dios cuando nos enfrentamos a decisiones importantes: "Y si alguno de vosotros tiene falta de sabiduría, pídala a Dios, que da a todos generosamente y sin reproche, y le será dada".  Cuando nos encontramos en una encrucijada y no estamos seguros de cuál es la mejor decisión, podemos orar y buscar la dirección de Dios. También podemos buscar consejo sabio de otros creyentes maduros. A menudo, Dios guía mediante una combinación de oración, consejo y paz interior.

 

 

KNOWING GOD’S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE

Proverbs 3:5-6

Have you ever wondered what God’s will is for your life? God’s will for your life is more obvious than you think. God is essentially saying, “Give Me your life, and I will show you my will.” God has a plan and a purpose for your life. But to know the will of God, you must willingly present yourself to Him without reservation. Knowing God’s will is sometimes difficult because it requires patience. It’s natural to want to know all of God’s will at once, but that’s not how He works. He reveals it to us a step at a time, each move a step of faith.

We are not victims of chance, hoping that our luck holds up. God has a plan for our lives. He has a will that He wants to reveal to us. He wants to speak to us, and He does speak to us. The reason we don’t hear Him is that we haven’t learned to tune in. God does not play hide-and-seek. He is more interested in revealing His will to us than we might be in knowing it. Far too often we make hearing God’s voice and knowing His will overly mystical.

As we seek to know God’s will, we sometimes feel apprehension. In a sincere desire to please him, we can sometimes walk in fear that we will make the wrong choice about the details of our lives. Every choice becomes a paralyzing decision. For some, obsessing over life’s details leads them to make decisions in clearly unbiblical ways hinging their choices on apparent signs and coincidences. Often, we want God to give us specifics, where to work, where to live, whom to marry, what car to buy, etc. God allows us to make choices, and, if we are yielded to Him, He has ways of preventing wrong choices (Acts 16:6-7).

The better we get to know a person, the more acquainted we become with their desires. For example, a wife when she is out shopping and finds a shirt or pants on sale and buys it for her husband. She doesn’t have to ask his advice on every particular situation; she knows that her husband will like it because she knows her husband. The same is true in our relationship with God. As we walk with the Lord, obeying His Word and relying on His Spirit, we find that we are given the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16). We know Him, and that helps us to know His will. We find God’s guidance readily available. If we are walking closely with the Lord and truly desire His will for our lives, God will place His desires in our hearts. The key is wanting God’s will, not our own. “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

ONE WILL, TWO POINTS OF VIEW

The Bible presents God’s one will in two main ways, his secret will and his revealed will. His secret will (sometimes referred to as his hidden will) refers to the fact that God is sovereign and rules meticulously overall. Nothing happens outside of his perfect will. It’s called “hidden” or “secret” because we don’t know his will until it’s come to pass (Isa. 46:9-10). This is the sovereign, but hidden, will of God. And nothing will prevent it.

By contrast, God’s revealed will is what he’s made known to us in Scripture. For instance, we know it’s God’s will for us to love our neighbors, bridle our tongues, act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. We know it’s God’s will that we not murder, steal, cheat, lie, slander, gossip, or boast. How do we know, because he has told us in his Word?

FOCUS ON GOD’S REVEALED WILL

We’re prone to overlook God’s revealed will and hyper-focus on his secret will. We often want to know God’s hidden will for the future, while walking contrary to his revealed will in the present. We should diligently study and seek to understand God’s revealed will. As we hear the Word of God preached or taught, reading and studying our Bibles, we will grow in our ability to know God’s revealed will. And as we renew our minds, the Spirit of God will help us not only discern God’s will (Rom. 12:2) but also apply it to the circumstances and moments of our days.

TRUST GOD’S SECRET WILL

While we obey God’s revealed will, we can trust in God’s good providence that as his secret will unfolds He is working all things together for the good of those who love him (Rom. 8:28). Whatever our days may hold, we can trust that the specifics are designed by a loving God for the good of our souls. Whether the decision of the moment involves choosing a spouse or buying a new house, we can trust our sovereign God to order our lives for his glory and our good. Today and every day, the truth is clear it is the will of God (I Thess. 4:3).

This means we can trust God’s will even during trials. Sometimes we think that suffering can’t possibly be the Lord’s will. But we forget that our salvation was won when Jesus submitted himself completely to God’s will in the moment of his greatest suffering. After living in perfect obedience to God’s revealed will, Jesus, on the night before his crucifixion, asked his Father three times if there was any other way for him to accomplish His plan. Everything hinged on how Jesus would respond to God’s perfect will. He submitted himself, saying, “Your will be done” (Matt. 26:42).

Seek to know God’s revealed will. Be diligent in obeying it. Walk in holiness, love your neighbors, be generous with your resources, bridle your tongue, and worship God. Trust that God, in his providence, is working all things together for your good, and remember that what is currently hidden will one day be revealed in glory. As you wait with steadfast hope for that day, thank the Lord that his will is always good. We often want to know God’s hidden will for the future, while walking contrary to his revealed will in the present.

God’s will is for everyone to obey His Word. This has been His will from the beginning. All through Scripture He tells us what to do and what not to do. David prayed, “(Lord,) teach me to do your will” (Psalm 143:10). Many pray, “Lord, show me your will,” and then never open up the Bible. When our hearts are right before Him, He promises to teach us. In teaching us, He gives us understanding (1 John 2:17).

To those who truly seek God’s will, the key is to become more and more like Him. If we are ignorant of God’s Word, we will always be ignorant of God’s will. When we are at a point of decision about choices in life, and it is not contrary to God’s Word, start moving in that direction. Ask Him to close doors and open others. What grieves the heart of God is when we deliberately make a choice that conflicts with His Word. God will never lead us to do something contrary to His written Word.

HOW TO KNOW GOD’S WILL

WALK WITH GOD:

If you are interested in knowing God’s will for your life, then you must learn to walk with God. You need to develop a relationship with Him and cultivate it. You must seek to know Him and not just seek to know about Him.

You will cultivate that relationship best by spending time in His Word, taking time for prayer, and taking every opportunity you can to be involved in church and Bible study. When you seek these disciplines in your life, God will begin to reveal His will to you. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

SURRENDER YOUR WILL TO GOD’S:

Many times when we say we are seeking God’s will, what we are really saying to God is: “God, here’s what I’m planning to do. Now I need you to approve this.” This is not effective in finding God’s true will. Before God will begin to reveal His will to you, you must be committed to doing whatever it is that He desires for you to do. God will likely be slow to show you His will if He knows you will likely not do His will anyway. (Romans 12:1-2)

OBEY WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW TO BE GOD’S WILL:

Many people seem to want to know what God’s plan is for their lives, but they overlook the fact that 98% of His will is already outlined carefully through His Word. God is very clear about many, aspects of His will. For instance, it is clearly His will that we abstain from sexual immorality (I Thessalonians 4:3).

If we do not obey the things that God has shown us clearly to be His will, why would we think He would reveal any further information regarding His will for our lives? Obedience is important if we want to know His will.

SEEK GODLY COUNCIL:

One key factor to finding God’s will is to seek the input of godly advisors in your life. If you don’t currently have godly mentors, then I would highly recommend that you seek them. You are basically a composite of the people you spend the most time with. So, it is vital that you choose those people well. If you choose to surround yourself with godly advisors, they will be instrumental in helping you discern God’s plan for your life. But if you surround yourself with people who are far from God, your hope of finding His best for your life will be greatly diminished. (Proverbs 11:14)

The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about the value of wise counsel (13:10, 20:5). We are to seek godly counsel and to hear from people who truly love the Lord and who are firmly grounded in His Word. The church is designed to help you greatly with this. The more you involve yourself with a community of believers, the greater your chances will be of finding godly men and women who can help you discern God’s will. When you seek counsel, look for someone who can also help you spiritually and has no hidden motives (Isa. 45:20-21, I Pet. 5:5-6, Eph. 5:17-21).

PAY ATTENTION TO HOW GOD HAS GIFTED YOU:

God has created you to fulfill a specific role in this world. There is no one else who can achieve completely what God has purposely created you to do. The Apostle Peter gives us this admonition:  “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (I Peter 4:10)

God has gifted every one of us to perform a special mission for which we alone were created. When you seek to discover God’s will for your life, pay attention to how He has gifted you. His plan for you will always be directly related to the gifts, talents, and abilities that He has given you. The great news is that you will automatically be good at whatever it is that He has called you to do!

LISTEN TO GOD’S SPIRIT:

Many years ago I experienced a major turning point in my prayer life when I learned simply to shut up while I was praying. I used to do all the talking when I prayed to God. But then, I changed the way I approached God through prayer. I added a significant component to my prayer life: listening. I take time to listen to what God might have to say to me.

During your prayer time take time to meditate. You will experience that God will start flooding your heart with ideas and information. What a glorious experience it is to sense God’s Spirit speaking to your heart, guiding your thoughts and words. Through experiences like this, He will show you with great clarity what His will is for your life. These times are truly life-changing. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).

LISTEN TO YOUR HEART:

In addition to listening to the Spirit, listen to your heart (Psalms 37:4-5). When we walk with the Lord, He will let us do many things that we love to do! When you are close to Him, He begins to shape your desires so that you desire the things that He has already called you to do.

TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES:

God often clearly demonstrates His plan for our lives by lining up circumstances in obvious ways. He also shows us what His will is not for us to do in that same way. Over the years, I have discovered that God opens and closes doors. He did that to the Apostle Paul (Acts 16:6-10).

God often uses closed doors to show us clearly what He does not want us to do. He also uses open doors at times to show us what He does want us to do. This does not mean that every open door is definitely God’s will, but it does help to give you some basic direction.

In James 1:5, we are encouraged to seek God's wisdom when faced with important decisions: "And if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." When we find ourselves at a crossroad and are not sure what the best decision is, we can pray and seek God's direction. We can also seek wise counsel from other mature believers. Often, God guides through a combination of prayer, counsel, and inner peace.

 

DAME ESE MONTE

Josué 14:6-12

Israel entró en la Tierra Prometida y la conquistó. Josué capítulos 13-14 establece cómo se dividió la tierra entre las tribus. En Josué 14:6 vemos a Caleb acercándose a Josué con una petición. Su petición está registrada en el vers.12; “dame esta montaña” la traducción actual es “dame esta región montañosa” porque Josué no se refería a una sola montaña sino a la región montañosa alrededor de Hebrón.

Hebrón era una ciudad grande antes de que Israel llegara allí. El nombre de esta ciudad era Quiriat-Arba, que significa "la ciudad de Arba". Arba era el bisabuelo (Josué 15:13; 21:11) de todos los Anaceos, los gigantes. Los hijos de Arba podrían haber sido "gigantes" en cuerpo, pero en realidad eran pigmeos. Caleb era el verdadero gigante espiritual; triunfó sobre ellos. Hay un dicho que dice “¡No es el “tamaño del perro” en la pelea, sino el “tamaño de la pelea” en el perro!”

¿Qué hacía Caleb mirando ese cerro? ¿Por qué quería ese lugar? El quería el monte más alto. Ese era su monte. Hebrón fue donde Abraham levantó su primer altar, ahí fue donde Abraham ofreció a Isaac y es el lugar donde David fue ungido.

Sabemos que la montaña física de la que habla Caleb es una analogía de las montañas espirituales que surgen en nuestras vidas. No nos enfrentamos a montañas físicas.

Entendemos que una montaña es un desafío en tu vida. Entendemos que una montaña es cualquier cosa que sea una tarea exigente en tu vida que requiera un esfuerzo o una dedicación especial. Todo el mundo tiene montañas.

Todas estas montañas no son de Satanás. A menudo, cuando tenemos que escalar una montaña alta, Dios está obrando. Creo que Dios pone montañas en nuestras vidas para el crecimiento y la madurez. Dios tiene algunas montañas en tu vida para tu crecimiento y tu madurez. Si Dios está tratando con tu vida tendrás montañas.

Dios declaró que el pueblo vagaría por el desierto durante 40 años hasta que todos los habitantes de la nación de Israel mayores de 20 años murieran. Pero luego hace una declaración sorprendente en Números 14:24: “Pero mi siervo Caleb, porque tiene un espíritu diferente y me ha seguido plenamente, lo introduciré en la tierra a la que fue, y su descendencia la poseerá”. De toda la nación de Israel, sólo Josué y Caleb se salvaron.

Recuerde, Caleb y Josué eran veinticinco años mayores que todos los demás. Eran los grandes ancianos. Josué tenía ahora ochenta y cinco años de edad, y Caleb, más o menos lo mismo, pero el resto del ejército eran jóvenes en comparación.

NUNCA ES DEMASIADO TARDE PARA EMPEZAR

¿Cómo te sientes acerca de envejecer? Muchos de ustedes esperan jubilarse algún día, pero nosotros no esperamos los desafíos de salud que traerá la vejez. ¿Cómo afectará el envejecimiento su servicio al Señor? ¿Continuarás sirviendo fielmente a Dios en cualquier capacidad que puedas, incluso en tu vejez? Caleb había soportado fielmente los 40 años de vagar por el desierto y los 5 años que tomó conquistar la Tierra Prometida (Josué 14:10). Lo que lo sostuvo durante esos 45 años fue su fe en la promesa que Dios le hizo.

Caleb es un gran ejemplo de un siervo de Dios que continúa sirviendo a Dios con entusiasmo y fidelidad incluso en su vejez. No tenía intención de descansar en sus laureles y retirarse de su servicio al Señor. En esta ocasión le dijo a Josué: “Todavía soy tan fuerte hoy como el día que Moisés me envió; Como eran mis fuerzas entonces, así son ahora mis fuerzas para la guerra, tanto para salir como para entrar” (Josué 14:11).

Tengo un gran aprecio por los hermanos mayores que continúan aferrándose a las promesas de Dios y sirviendo fielmente a Dios incluso en la vejez, ya sea como predicadores, maestros, aconsejando a las generaciones más jóvenes o ayudando a limpiar el edificio de la iglesia. A veces, lo único que pueden hacer es simplemente asistir a los servicios, pero alientan a otros con su fidelidad y fe (Hebreos 10:24-25). Otros más están encerrados y físicamente incapaces de asistir a los servicios, pero continúan sirviendo como “guerreros de oración” mientras animan a otros en sus oraciones. Tómese el tiempo para animar a nuestros hermanos mayores como Caleb, que continúan sirviendo fielmente al Señor.

Nunca diga, mi carrera llegó a su fin, ya no ese tiempo. Caleb dijo no habrá gigantes que me puedan detener, no habrá monte que me pueda intimidar. Caleb levantó su bandera de victoria (14:10-11). Más impresionante que su fuerza física, era su fuerza espiritual y su espíritu conquistador. Es cierto que da lástima ver a un anciano que desea hacer algo, pero no puede por su edad y salud, pero más lástima da mirar aquel que teniendo fuerza y salud, siendo joven, no tiene entusiasmo para nada. 

Caleb no se presentó ante Josué reclamando su jubilación. No usó su edad como una excusa para cruzarse de brazos. Tampoco pidió que le entregaran el monte desalojado de sus enemigos. Él dijo sentirse fuerte, quería ir al frente de su ejército, quería conquistar aquella tierra, y disfrutar el fruto de su esfuerzo. 

La verdad es que el hombre sólo se ha detenido por sus autolimitaciones que él se impone, y no tanto por las limitaciones de la vida. Hay muchos que viven hablando siempre negativamente: de la gente, de las injusticias que les hacen; hablan de problemas, de imposibilidades. Muchos viven derrotados, fracasados, deprimidos, y luego se preguntan ¿por qué? Lo que tiene que hacer es, salirse de ese círculo de autocompasión y cambiar de ambiente.

¿QUÉ CONTRIBUYÓ AL ÉXITO DE CALEB?

Caleb fue uno de los doce espías que Moisés envió a reconocer la tierra prometida. Mientras que diez de ellos trajeron noticias que desanimaron al pueblo, Caleb y Josué trajeron noticias positivas. Todos vieron lo mismo pero la diferencia estaba en su actitud. Josué y Caleb hablaron de lo buena que era la tierra y como con la ayuda de Dios, la podrían conquistar. Caleb quería tener la satisfacción de desalojar a los enemigos que ahí se encontraban.

Caleb nunca perdió de vista la promesa de Dios. Muchas personas tienen un corazón dividido que nunca se apropia de las promesas de Dios. Ellos dudan de la realidad de lo que Dios ha prometido, y luego elevan una oración con poca o ninguna expectación de que será contestada. A través de la vida de Caleb encontramos que nunca perdió de vista la promesa de Dios.

Note las vareas veces que Caleb menciona el nombre de Yahweh (el cumplidor de promesas). El nombre Yahweh aparece más de 6.800 veces en el Antiguo Testamento. Aparece en todos los libros excepto en Ester, Eclesiastés y el Cantar de los Cantares.

Caleb era un hombre que ha aprendido a confiar en las promesas de Dios y arriesgar todo su futuro en ellas. Él sabía lo que era tener la ayuda de Dios y confía en que el Señor continuará haciéndolo. Esta es una fe triunfante y poderosa antes del evento. Suena a jactancia, pero es fe presumiendo del poder de Dios para cumplir sus promesas.

La dedicatoria más maravillosa que pudiera ser escrito acerca de una persona es que: anduvo fielmente delante del Señor. Las Escrituras afirman una verdad sencilla: “De acuerdo a tu fe te será concedido.” (Mat. 9.29). Existe una manera definida en la cual Dios responde a nuestra fe. Mientras más dispuesto estés a creer en Él, El estará más dispuesto a actuar en tu favor. La Biblia también nos recuerda que “sin fe es imposible agradar a Dios.” (Heb. 11:6).

Cuenta una historia de un incidente en la vida del Napoleón. Napoleón había tomado una isla en el mar Mediterráneo. Después de la captura de la isla, Napoleón y sus generales se reunieron para una celebración. Mientras estaban reunidos fueron interrumpidos por un joven oficial.

Napoleón lo miró y le dijo: “¿Qué quieres?” El joven oficial miró a Napoleón y le dijo, “Dame esta isla.” Los generales comenzaron a reír. No podían creer que era lo suficientemente intrépido como para pedirle a Napoleón lo que tanto les había costado ganar. Ellos pensaron dentro de sí: ¿Quién piensa éste que es? Alguien con la audacia para hacer tal petición a Napoleón estaba ciertamente arriesgando su vida. Pero Napoleón miró a uno de sus ayudantes y pidió papel y pluma. Escribió sobre el papel, lo firmó y lo entregó al joven, dejando a sus generales asombrados. ¿Cómo pudiste hacerlo? Le preguntaron los generales a Napoleón. “¿Qué hizo a éste que fuera digno para recibir esta gran isla?” Le di esta isla, dijo Napoleón, “porque me honró con la magnitud de su pedido.” Nosotros también debemos honrar a Dios por medio de la magnitud de nuestras peticiones.

La Biblia promete, “y esta es la confianza que tenemos en El...” 1 Juan 5:14-15. La confianza se define como: la esperanza firme que se tiene en algo o alguien. Caleb confiaba en Dios y en que cumpliría su promesa, todos esos años que pasaron no le hicieron cambiar de opinión, esperaba en Dios sin importar las circunstancias o el tiempo.

Caleb era una persona con valor, era alguien con coraje y valentía. El ya tenía 85 años, habían pasado 45 años desde que Dios le hizo una promesa. Por si fuera poco su edad, el obstáculo que se interponía entre su promesa y el, eran gigantes (los hijos de Anac); él sabía que tenía que enfrentarlos, pero eso no le causaba temor. Los instrumentos normales de guerra son lanzas, espadas y escudos. Pero esto no serviría de nada contra los gigantes. Caleb necesitaba usar las armas de Dios…. Fe (Hebreos 11:30; Zacarías 4:6). Hebreos 3:19 nos dice que la razón por la que los israelitas no pudieron entrar a la Tierra Prometida la primera vez fue por su falta de fe.

LOS PASOS QUE TOMAR  

Caleb sabía exactamente lo que quería. Él no llegó a Josué con peticiones vagas. El declaró específicamente que estaba dispuesto a hacer todo lo que fuera necesario para conquistar la montaña. Muchas personas oran por generalidades en vez de pedir específicamente. Si usted tiene una necesidad, identifique claramente su necesidad, y exprésele a Dios.  

Él se enfocó en lo que Dios le había prometido. A pesar de que había tenido que esperar 45 años, Caleb nunca perdió la esperanza de lo que se le prometió. Su corazón seguía latiendo, esperando el día cuando este lugar sería suyo. El sabía que la promesa sería cumplida porque él sabía quién la había hecho. Si Dios le ha hecho una promesa a usted, entonces usted tiene toda la razón para creer que será cumplida, no importa el tiempo. Cuando Dios cumpla Sus promesas, darás un paso adelante como Caleb y dirás: "Ahora dame mi montaña".

Caleb siguió al Señor "de todo corazón". ¡Qué testimonio! Tres veces en el capítulo 14 de Josué leemos que Caleb seguía fielmente al Señor (vv. 8,9, 14). La dedicación de Caleb a Dios fue completa, inquebrantable e interminable. Muchas veces seguimos al Señor principalmente, o cuando nos conviene. Pero cuando las cosas se ponen difíciles y debemos apoyarnos en la fe en lugar de la vista, nos resistimos. El miedo aparece y seguimos nuestros temores en lugar de nuestra fe. “Es, pues, la fe la certeza (substancia) de lo que se espera, la convicción (la evidencia) de lo que no se ve.” (Hebreos 11:1)

No te preocupes por el gigante, no mires su fuerza ni lo grande de su estatura, no temas a esas montañas por grandes que sean. Dios nos dice: “No te preocupes por ese problema ni por su tamaño, preocúpate de seguirme fielmente”. Es necesario fijar nuestra atención en Cristo y hacer lo siguiente:  

1. Actuar decisivamente. Debes tomar la iniciativa para conseguir lo que quieres.

2. Tener un plan. Nunca llegarás a tu destino si no sabes a dónde vas.

3. Confiar en el poder de Dios. Fil. 4:13. Dios está interesado en tu vida.

Un gigante es cualquier cosa que se interponga entre usted y el plan de Dios para usted. Un gigante es cualquier cosa que parezca más grande que tú y tu deseo de servir al Señor.

Los gigantes detienen el progreso del pueblo de Dios.

1. Primero tenemos “Gigantes en la tierra” (Génesis 6:4).

2. Lo siguiente que sabes es que tienes un “valle de gigantes” (Jos. 15:8)

3. Ese valle pronto se convertirá en una “tierra de gigantes” (Deuteronomio 3:13).

¡LOS GIGANTES NO DESAPARECEN; HAY QUE ENFRENTARLOS Y DERROTARLOS!

 

 

 

GIVE ME THAT MOUNTAIN

Joshua 14:6-12

Israel entered the Promised Land and conquered it. Joshua, chapters 13–14, narrates how the land was divided among the tribes. In Joshua 14:6, we see Caleb approaching Joshua with a request. His request is recorded in verse 12: “Give me this mountain.” The actual translation is “give me this mountainous region,” because Joshua was not referring to a single mountain but to the mountainous region around Hebron.

Hebron was a large city before Israel arrived there. The name of this city was Kiriath-Arba, which means "the city of Arba." Arba was the great-grandfather (Joshua 15:13; 21:11) of all the Anakites, the giants. Arba's children might have been "giants" in body, but in reality, they were pygmies. Caleb was the true spiritual giant; he triumphed over them. There is a proverb that says, “It is not the “size of the dog” in the fight, but the “size of the fight” in the dog.

What was Caleb doing looking at that mountain? Why did he want that place? He wanted the highest mountain. That was his mountain. Hebron was where Abraham built his first altar, it was where Abraham offered Isaac, and it is the place where David would later be anointed king.

We know that the physical mountain Caleb speaks of is an analogy for the spiritual mountains that arise in our lives. We are not facing physical mountains. We understand that a mountain is a challenge in your life. We understand that a mountain is anything that is a demanding task in your life that requires special effort or dedication. Everyone has mountains.

All these mountains are not from Satan. Often, when we have to climb a high mountain, God is at work. I believe that God puts mountains in our lives for growth and maturity. If God is dealing with your life, you will have mountains.

God declared that the people would wander in the wilderness for 40 years until everyone in the nation of Israel over the age of 20 died. But then he makes a surprising statement in Numbers 14:24: “But my servant Caleb because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring him into the land where he went, and his descendants will possess it.” Of the entire nation of Israel, only Joshua and Caleb were saved.

Remember, Caleb and Joshua were twenty-five years older than everyone else. They were the great elders. Joshua was now eighty-five years old, and Caleb was about the same, but the rest of the army was young in comparison.

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START

How do you feel about getting older? Many of you hope to retire one day, but we don't expect the health challenges that old age will bring. How will aging affect your service to the Lord? Will you continue to faithfully serve God in whatever capacity you can, even in your old age? Caleb had faithfully endured the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness and the 5 years it took him to conquer the Promised Land (Joshua 14:10). What sustained him during those 45 years was his faith in the promise God made to him.

Caleb is a great example of a servant of God who continues to serve God with enthusiasm and faithfulness even in his old age. He had no intention of resting on his laurels and withdrawing from his service to the Lord. On this occasion, he said to Joshua: “I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me; As my strength was then, so are my strength now for war, both to go out and to come in” (Joshua 14:11).

I have great appreciation for older brothers who continue to hold on to God's promises and faithfully serve God even in old age, whether as preachers, teachers, counseling the younger generations, or helping to clean the church building. Sometimes all they can do is simply attend services, but they encourage others with their faithfulness and faith (Hebrews 10:24–25). Still others are shut-in and physically unable to attend services but continue to serve as “prayer warriors” as they encourage others in their prayers. Please take the time to encourage our older brothers, like Caleb, who continue to faithfully serve the Lord.

Never say, my career came to an end, not that time anymore. Caleb said there will be no giants that can stop me; there will be no mountain that can intimidate me. Caleb raised his flag of victory (14:10–11). More impressive than his physical strength were his spiritual strength and his conquering spirit. It is true that it is pitiful to see an old man who wants to do something, but cannot due to his age and health, but it is more pitiful to see one who, having strength and health and being young, has no enthusiasm for anything.

Caleb did not appear before Joshua demanding his retirement. He didn't use his age as an excuse to fold his arms. He also did not ask for the mountain dislodge of his enemies to be handed over to him. He said he felt strong, he wanted to go to the front of his army, he wanted to conquer that land, and he wanted to enjoy the fruit of his efforts.

The truth is that we are only stopped by the self-limitations that we impose on ourselves and not so much by the limitations of life. There are many who always talk negatively: about people, about the injustices done to them; they talk about problems, about impossibilities. Many live defeated, failed, and depressed, and then wonder why. What you have to do is get out of that circle of self-pity and change your environment.

WHAT CONTRIBUTED TO CALEB'S SUCCESS?

Caleb was one of the twelve spies that Moses sent to spy on the Promised Land. While ten of them brought news that discouraged the people, Caleb and Joshua brought positive news. They all saw the same thing but the difference was in their attitude. Joshua and Caleb talked about how good the land was and how, with God's help, they could conquer it. Caleb wanted to have the satisfaction of dislodging the enemies who were there.

Caleb never lost sight of God's promise. Many people have a divided heart that never takes hold of God's promises. They doubt the reality of what God has promised, and then pray a prayer with little or no expectation that it will be answered. Throughout Caleb's life, we find that he never lost sight of God's promise.

Notice the several times Caleb mentions the name of Yahweh (the promise keeper). The name Yahweh appears more than 6,800 times in the Old Testament. It appears in all books except Esther, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs.

Caleb was a man who had learned to trust in God's promises and risk his entire future on them. He knew what it was like to have God's help and trusted that the Lord would continue to do so. This is a triumphant and powerful faith before the event. It sounds like boasting, but it is faith boasting of God's power to fulfill his promises.

The most wonderful epitaph that could be written about a person is that: he walked faithfully before the Lord. The Scriptures affirm a simple truth: “According to your faith it will be given to you.” (Matt. 9:29). There is a definite way in which God responds to our faith. The more willing you are to believe in Him, the more willing He will be to act on your behalf. The Bible also reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Heb. 11:6).

There is a story of an incident in the life of Napoleon. Napoleon had taken an island in the Mediterranean Sea. After the capture of the island, Napoleon and his generals gathered for a celebration. While they were meeting, they were interrupted by a young officer. Napoleon looked at him and said, “What do you want?” The young officer looked at Napoleon and said, “Give me this island.” The generals began to laugh. They could not believe that he was bold enough to ask Napoleon for what they had worked so hard to earn. They thought within themselves: Who does he think he is?

Someone with the audacity to make such a request to Napoleon was certainly risking his life. But Napoleon looked at one of his assistants and asked for a pen and paper. He wrote on the paper, signed it, and handed it to the young man, leaving his generals amazed. How could you do that? The generals asked Napoleon. “What made this one worthy to receive this great island?” I gave him this island, and Napoleon said, “Because he honored me with the magnitude of his request.” We too must honor God through the magnitude of our requests.

The Bible promises, “and this is the confidence we have in Him…” 1 John 5:14–15. Trust is defined as the firm hope we have in something or someone. Caleb trusted in God and that he would fulfill his promise. All those years that passed did not change his mind; he waited on God no matter the circumstances or time.

Caleb was a person with courage; he was someone with courage and bravery. He was already 85 years old; 45 years had passed since God made him a promise. As if his age was not enough, the obstacle that stood between his promise and him was giants (the sons of Anac); he knew that he had to face them, but that did not cause him fear. The normal instruments of war are spears, swords, and shields. But this would be of no use against the giants. Caleb needed to use the weapons of God…. Faith (Hebrews 11:30; Zechariah 4:6). Hebrews 3:19 tells us that the reason the Israelites could not enter the Promised Land the first time was because of their lack of faith.

THE STEPS TO TAKE

Caleb knew exactly what he wanted. He did not come to Joshua with vague requests. He specifically stated that he was willing to do whatever was necessary to conquer the mountain. Many people pray in generalities rather than asking specifically. If you have a need, clearly identify your need and express it to God.

He focused on what God had promised him. Even though he had to wait 45 years, Caleb never gave up hope for what he was promised. His heart kept beating, waiting for the day when this place would be his. He knew that the promise would be fulfilled because he knew who had made it. If God has made a promise to you, then you have every reason to believe that it will be fulfilled, no matter how long. When God fulfills his promises, you will step forward like Caleb and say, "Now give me my mountain."

Caleb followed the Lord "with all his heart." What a testimony! Three times in Joshua chapter 14, we read that Caleb faithfully followed the Lord (vv. 8, 9, and 14). Caleb's dedication to God was complete, unwavering, and endless. Many times we follow the Lord primarily, or when it suits us. But when things get difficult and we must rely on faith instead of sight, we resist. Fear sets in and we follow our fears instead of our faith. “Now faith is the substance (certainty) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Do not worry about the giant, do not look at his strength or how great his stature is, and do not fear those mountains, no matter how big they are. God tells us: “Don't worry about that problem or its size, worry about following me faithfully.” It is necessary to focus our attention on Christ and do the following:

1. Act decisively. You must take the initiative to get what you want.

2. Have a plan. You will never reach your destination if you don't know where you are going.

3. Trust in the power of God. Phil. 4:13. God is interested in your life.

A giant is anything that stands between you and God's plan for you.  A giant is anything that seems bigger than you and your desire to serve the Lord.

Giants stop the progress of God's people:

1. First, we have “Giants in the earth” (Genesis 6:4).

2. Next thing you know, you have a “valley of giants” (Josh. 15:8)

3. That valley will soon become a “land of giants” (Deuteronomy 3:13).

THE GIANTS DO NOT DISAPPEAR; YOU MUST FACE THEM AND DEFEAT THEM!