Hope for the Second Half of Life

Inside: Even when giants threaten and challenges seem daunting, this biblical example demonstrates that it is possible to remain faithful to God as we get older.~

If you’re familiar with Old Testament history, you may recall that Caleb was one of 12 men sent by Moses to scout out the Promised Land a few years after the Israelites left Egypt.

Their job was to get the lay of the land, not to decide if the people were capable of conquering it. But when the group returned, the majority’s report focused on the giants in the land—how fearsome they were and how Israel didn’t stand a chance against them.

This, of course, was a lie. God never intended for the Israelites to accomplish anything on their own. But only two spies—Caleb and Joshua, who became Moses’ successor—believed the truth about the situation.

As a Result …

Those two were the only men out of an entire generation whom God allowed to enter the Promised Land.

While the rest of his peers were complaining, wandering around and eventually dying off during four decades in the wilderness, Caleb was thriving. Forty-five years later, he was still as strong and vigorous—physically and spiritually—as he had been during that ill-fated spying mission.

Here’s how he described his experience:

“I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.” ~ Joshua 14:7-8, NIV

Wholehearted Faith

Caleb’s faith wasn’t mediocre; in his own words, he followed the Lord wholeheartedly. He stayed true to his convictions and remained loyal to the God who had delivered his people from Egypt, no matter what anyone else around him did or said.

And when the Israelites finally entered the Promised Land, God gave Caleb the choice land in the hill country he had fallen in love with so many years earlier.

Caleb’s story offers great hope, especially for those of us who have already passed the half-way point in life. Despite all the other passions and pursuits that vie for our attention—many of which are productive and even praiseworthy—his example shows us that it is entirely possible to remain completely faithful to God as we get older.

God has promised to go before us and be with us, never to leave us or forsake us. Because of that, we can follow Him wholeheartedly—even when giants threaten (as they will from time to time) and especially when few around us share that devotion.

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Is there a person in the Bible whose life and example give you hope in your current season? Please share in the comments.

♥ Lois

P.S. I’m linking up this week with #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.