Devotional Blog Wednesday, October 5

Daily Devotional for Wednesday, October 5 

Testimonies of Faith

An author from long ago wrote, “God delights to increase the faith of His children. We ought, instead of wanting no trials before victory, no exercise for patience, to be willing to take them from God’s hand as a means. I say—and say it deliberately—trials, obstacles, difficulties, and sometimes defeats, are the very food of faith…We should take them out of His hands as evidence of His love and care for us in developing more and more that faith which He is seeking to strengthen in us.” 

Twelve spies had seen the Promised Land and all it contained. Only two spies saw the Promised Land through eyes of faith. The other ten spies gave a depressing report of all the obstacles they would face when they entered the land. Joshua and Caleb heard God’s promise and hid it in their hearts as they surveyed the land. The faithless report of the ten spies led the congregation of Israel to weep in fear and dread. An entire generation missed out on God’s blessing because of their lack of faith. 

While the Bible tells us the names of all the spies, we only remember the names of two: Joshua and Caleb. Theirs is a testimony of faith and obedience to God. As we survey Scripture and Christian history, we are encouraged in our faith as we read the testimonies of believers from every age who lived in great faith toward God. Joshua and Caleb simply heard what God said and believed it. It was these two faithful men whom God allowed to lead the next generation into the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb lived the latter part of their lives enjoying the blessings which God had promised simply because they believed Him. 

REFLECTION: Living a life of great faith is simply hearing God’s Word and believing it. Enjoying the blessings of God is the result of obeying the Word of God.

Steven Ridings