One of the things that stress me out is the slow progress of my online ministry.
High3r Ministries is young and growing, but I think it’s not developing as quickly as it should.
I worked hard and gave long hours. I thought that if my ministry had the potential to grow, it should have happened by now.
A pastor preached about Caleb one Sunday, and it gave me peace regarding my ministry. Before we continue to talk about how Caleb saved me from frustration, let’s get to know Caleb first.
Who is Caleb?
Caleb, in the Old Testament, is one of the spies sent by Moses from Kadesh in southern Palestine to spy out the land of Canaan.
Only Caleb and Joshua advised the Hebrews to proceed immediately to take the land. The other spies were too scared and convinced the rest of the Israelites to wander in the desert.
Because of Caleb’s faith and courage, he was rewarded with the promise that he and his descendants should possess Hebron (Numbers 13–14).
Caleb did not become as famous as his peer Joshua, but it didn’t mean that he is lesser.
Joshua 14:6-13
New International Version (NIV)
6 Now the people of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb, son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, said to him,
“You know what the Lord said to Moses, the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me.
7 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, 8 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.
9 So on that day, Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.’
10 “Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old!
11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”
13 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance.
The verses tell us about Caleb. He was faithful and courageous as any of the heroes in the Bible. The funny thing is, he is not mentioned in the Hall of Fame of Faith in the book of Hebrews.
What I Learned from Caleb
Be Consistently Faithful
Keep at it even when you don’t seem to get any recognition. At the end of the day, you work for God. The opportunity for ministry is the reward.
However, we have a good God. He sees everything that we do, and we can never outdo God. He will reward our efforts for sure.
If we’re faithful and humble, God will lift us up.
Be Content with Your Calling
God calls people to be the Abrahams, the Joshuas, and the Peters who gets all the attention.
Sometimes God calls the Calebs, the Ananiases, and the Dorcases who had meaningful ministries but never got the attention.
Not because we’re not in the spotlight, it means that our ministries are not valuable. It only means God called us to do a different ministry.
We should be grateful for the ministry God gave us. People will not be the reward, God is.
Don’t Compare Ministries
My ministry is different than yours, but it doesn’t mean it’s better or lesser.
If we compare our spiritual gifts and ministries with others, we would be frustrated.
Focus on the task God placed in front of you. God assigned that ministry to you because it is essential. It might not be the one the world remembers, but it is something that God will.
One guy who attended my small group a decade ago now has his own church. His church attendance is about a thousand each Sunday. That’s a good number considering that he is in a small town in the province.
God gifted him to oversee over a thousand souls, but it doesn’t mean that his ministry is better than mine.
Not because he got to know Jesus in my small group doesn’t mean that my ministry is better than his.
We have our own calling, and it’s all about how we use our skills and talents for the glory of God.
Face your enemies
There will be instances that you would want to quit. Whatever that challenge is, you must learn how to face it. Let that obstacle know that you’re in it for the long haul. There’s no quitting.
You can be assured that God has your back. He will give you the skills, character and resources that you need to complete your mission.
Sum It Up
Who am I compared to Caleb? He was a strong warrior who won wars in his eighties. He might not be in the Hall of Fame of Faith, but God was faithful to give him his reward.
I am me.
I may not be like Brian Houston, who changed how the world worships or Joel Osteen, who changed people’s mindsets, but God called me. Knowing that God loves me and is mindful of someone like me is enough reward.
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord, you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Thank you for reading this devotional story, and I pray that it encouraged and empowered you in your walk with Christ. Please read other devotional stories on the website. You might find Beautiful Places, Beautiful God, Beyond Fathom and Get Ready appealing.
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