You know how it often happens. We begin something with resolve and energy. It goes well for a while. Then quite often, our enthusiasm fades and the effort diminishes. In time all that remains is a guilty memory. Eventually even that is forgotten.
Not Caleb! Numbers, Chapter 14 tells how, when he was young, he was one of the 12 spies sent to survey the land God promised. Only two of the 12, Caleb and Joshua, had faith to believe God’s promise and not be intimidated by the challenges this land might hold, such as giant, powerful warriors. Instead, they brought back testimonies of God’s provisions.
He put his faith into action when he was young, and that faith not only survived, it deepened over a lifetime. Now, despite advancing years, he told Joshua he was not done. Many years later, at 85 years old, he still sought out the next challenge.
Caleb’s example is impressive.
Putting faith into action is not a matter of a single effort. It’s a sustained effort over time to follow God wholeheartedly. Without action today, faith is meaningless. Without continued action tomorrow, faith is lost.
Did you fail yesterday? Ask God to lift you up and try again. Did you succeed? Then ask what comes next. Putting your faith into action begins with a single event, but it is believing and trusting God over time that counts.
Lord, I know that today matters. Help me to be faithful in all I do and then to follow you again tomorrow. Amen.
Throughout the Day: Consider a longer view of your life. What is God doing to mold you into the person he wants you to be?
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