All of us have a “Promised Land” that we are striving to reach. Surely we yearn to get to the eternal Promised Land called Heaven. However, each of us has a unique and personal Promised Land that God wants us to possess on this side of glory.
In the Bible, Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun were only two of twelve spies who inherited land in Canaan. Numbers 14:24 says, “Because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it” (italics mine). Therefore, if we want to inherit our Promised Land, we must have “different spirit” as well. A different spirit will cause you to stand out from others and put you in position to be blessed. What does that entail? What are the characteristics that Caleb had which set him apart from the other spies?
- He agreed with God. The Lord said to Moses, in Numbers 13:2, “Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites.” God had promised He would give the land to the Israelites, but they did not believe Him. Caleb said in Numbers 13:30, “We should go up and take possession of the land.” Therefore, Caleb was in agreement with God. If you want to possess your Promised Land, you and God must be in agreement about what He says is yours in the future.
- He had a positive attitude. In Numbers 13:30, Caleb said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Now, that’s a positive attitude! Those with a “different spirit” have to be positive in spite of negative circumstances. They walk by faith and not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7). They have to have a “can-do” attitude that refuses to be denied.
- He was fearless. Caleb said in Numbers 14:9, “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.” He had no fear. Why? Because he knew as long as the Lord was with them, they had nothing to fear. He had placed His confidence in Almighty God and was willing to take a risk.
- He followed the Lord wholeheartedly. The definition of wholeheartedly is having complete sincerity and commitment. In other words, Caleb was “all in.” He did not waiver in his commitment to God, and He was willing to follow the Lord’s directions no matter what (Numbers 14:24) and thereby was able to possess his Promised Land. Remember, if you fail to wholeheartedly follow God’s instructions you, too, will run the risk of wandering in your own wilderness for years just as the Israelites did.
Do you want to possess your Promised Land? Then you too must have a different spirit. That means that you must be determined to be positive in spite of what you see in the natural. Furthermore, you must get in agreement with God’s Word, have faith, and speak the Word of out of your mouth regularly. Finally, a different spirit will require you to be fearless, follow God with your whole heart and refuse to be double-minded. Make up your mind to follow the Lord wherever He leads without question, knowing that only those with a different spirit will possess the land. Are you one of them?
How do you see having “different spirit” helping you to possess your Promised Land? Please share by leaving a comment below.
I’d love your help spreading the word about my book, Oasis for My Soul: Poems and Inspirational Writings for Spiritual and Personal Growth Click here to find out ways you can help.
Would you like to receive your FREE e-chapbook entitled, Your Faith Has Made You Whole: Poems and Inspirational Writings for Spiritual Transformation, by Tracey L. Moore? Go to www.traceylmoore.com and sign up to receive my bi-weekly newsletter via email.
Find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TraceyLMoore2012
Follow me on Twitter: @TraceyLMoore1
Image courtesy of http://www.freeimages.com