Joshua and Caleb
And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes (Num. 14:6 ESV).
Joshua and Caleb were two of the twelve men that Moses sent to spy out the land of Canaan as the Israelites prepared to possess the promised land. However, this event turned out to be one of the greatest tragedies in Israel’s history.
The scripture says “And the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land, who returned and made all the congregation grumble against him by bringing up a bad report about the land” (Num. 14:36 ESV).
Ten of the twelves spies returned with the report that the land was good, but its inhabitants were just too strong to defeat. The Israelites heard an evil report, and were deeply discouraged. They mourned, grumbled, and almost stoned both Moses and Aaron.
However, Joshua and Caleb had a different perspective. The Lord said they “had a different spirit” from the rest (Num. 14:24 ESV). They saw themselves as more than able to defeat the enemies- if God was with them. They did not grumble. They did not complain. They had a different mindset, because they trusted in the Lord.
The report you believe will shape your perspective. Your perspective will then determine your attitude, and your attitude will determine the outcome. Be aware of what you choose to believe in life, and in your circumstances.
MEDITATE
Why do you think Joshua and Caleb had a different perspective from the other spies? Declare that “I see life and my circumstances through the lens of God’s Word. I refuse to grumble or complain. I am more than a conqueror”.
APPLY THE WORD
How do you choose to see yourself, and the situation you find yourself in? Be intentional. Renew your mind with the Word to change your perspective in life.
PRAY
Pray earnestly, and ask the Spirit to help you see life the way He sees it. Ask Him to keep you from a negative attitude that comes from the wrong perspective.
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