Now behold, the Lord has let me live, just as He spoke, these forty-five years, from the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, when Israel walked in the wilderness; and now behold, I am eighty-five years old today. I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so my strength is now, for war and for going out and coming in.
Now then, give me this hill country about which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day that Anakim were there, with great fortified cities; perhaps the Lord will be with me, and I will drive them out as the Lord has spoken. Joshua 14:10-11
Caleb and Joshua were the faithful spies who came back with a good report to Moses years earlier. Now, at age 85, Caleb is just as bold and says… let me fight the giants! Praise God for people like that who want big challenges even when they are getting old. And why not, if we have our health, we also have the advantage of years of learning and godly wisdom.
How do I feel about myself getting older? Do I value youth too highly? Or do I see that there is a great value in the wisdom of those who have walked a few miles ahead?
God, I pray that I become even more useful to You every day. May I accomplish more in these days than in my youth. I want to be like Caleb, saying “Give me this hill country” (the big challenges) I know You oh Lord will be with me!
