
Even though Caleb is trusting God will conquer Israel’s enemies, he must endure the consequences of the majority’s sin. Moses has been reminding God of His character, as well as begging for mercy & forgiveness for the people’s rebellion.
Then the Lord said: “I have pardoned, according to your word; but truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord” (Numbers 14: 20-21)
God assures Moses that He will pardon, or forgive, the Israelites. He immediately follows up with an exception – but truly, as I live. Even though God forgives the Israelites, there are consequences for the sin of complaining.
Wandering in the wilderness for 40 years – one year for each of the 40 days of the spies’ mission.
Those who did not believe died in the wilderness. Death is a result of complaining against God and having no faith in Him.
It is the same today. God forgives you of your sin, but there are still consequences.
- If you complain, your kids might complain.
- If you are unfaithful in teaching your children God’s Word, your children might not walk with God.
- If you indulge in overeating, you might gain weight.
- If you overspend, you might have huge debt.
- If you spoon feed academics to your high school children, they might never learn to be independent.
- If you are unkind to your family & friends, they might be unkind to you.
- If you are not walking with the Lord, your children might not walk with the Lord.
Yes, God forgives you of these sins & all the others, but He disciplines those He loves. With discipline comes consequences to your sin.
Caleb has a different spirit…
What spirit do you have, as a homeshool mom & wife?
But 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. Numbers 14: 24
Caleb believes God wholeheartedly.
Caleb is faithful to God
Caleb knows God will conquer his enemies
As homeschool moms & wives, we must walk in faith.
Faith in God. Faith in His power. Faith is His wisdom.
Too often, you might be overwhelmed by the cares of everyday life. Or, you get tired & don’t hear God’s voice because all the media and screentime voices have taken over in your mind. Or, you are short with your kids. Your kids see how you live; they follow your example.
On the other hand … you may walk faithfully with God on a daily basis.
Your kids see your faithful walk and follow your example.
I know on paper, it looks so easy. But it isn’t always easy.
Being a homeschool mom who juggles school, home, finances, ministry and much more is actually very difficult. That’s why it is so important to remember:
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
If Caleb walked by sight, he would be like the other 10 spies, overwhelmed by the giants of the land and dying in the wilderness. Instead, Caleb chose to walk by faith, trusting in God. He kept his eyes on God instead of his circumstances.
Take a minute now and ask God to help you walk by faith.
Take a minute now and ask God to help you walk by faith. Tell Him the things you are worried about. Turn those concerns & problems over to Him each and every day. Let Him take care of YOU and your problems and trials.
