Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; Joshua 14:12a (NKJV)
In my study, where I usually work, there are a few figurines and desktop plaques with Bible verses or inspirational quotes engraved on them. Amongst them is a little figurine of a mountain with the words “Give me this mountain”. Sometimes, when the figurine catches my eye, I mouth the words written on it, and I whisper a little prayer in my heart and ask God to give me His mountain.
The word ‘mountain’ is mentioned more than 500 times in Scripture. It has many spiritual representations. It symbolises God’s power and glory, God’s dwelling places, encounters with God, refuge from our enemies and victories through Christ. Perhaps the most relatable symbolism is the obstacles and trials we must overcome in our faith journey.
When Caleb asked God to give him the Promised Land in Joshua 14:12, it had already been 45 years after most of the search party lacked the faith to inhabit the land God had already given them. Finally, after the faithless generation had all passed, Joshua and Caleb led the Israelites to their promised inheritance. What can we learn from Caleb as we ask the Lord to “give us our mountains”? What promises are you waiting for the Lord to fulfil in your life? How can we claim our mountains?
WE MUST HAVE A DIFFERENT SPIRIT.
Is your spirit more like Caleb or the ten spies? Caleb’s voice was of faith, whereas the spies’ reports were of fear. Many of us live and make our decisions based on fear and worry – we fear changes, not having enough, missing out, losing, etc. We allow the lies of the enemy to cripple us and cloud our eyes.
The spies were all doom and gloom, but Caleb had a different spirit. There may be giants lingering in the mountains, but Caleb had unwavering faith and trust in the Lord and His promises! Regardless of our circumstances, we must live with unshakeable faith that the Lord will fulfil His promise and grant us victory, and to follow Him wholeheartedly!
Will you be like the ten spies who saw impossibility because of the enemy’s overpowering strength, or Joshua and Caleb who saw an opportunity because of God’s never-failing promise? The strength of the mountain mover matters more than the size of the mountain. May we be people who see opportunities when others see impossibilities.
We have seen God move in our lives. We have seen God make the impossible possible for us. We may not know how God is going to move for us next. But we know that God gives us victory over the enemy. Caleb waited 45 years to see God’s promises fulfilled. Even if it takes time, we must persevere in faith like him. Like Caleb, who scaled tough terrains and lived through difficult days in the wilderness, we can begin to move our mountains by removing one tiny stone at a time.
As our Lord moves on behalf of His people for His glory, God will do the same for us. All we have to believe is that God will provide the plan and the power to fulfil His Word and give us our mountains! Faith can move mountains! Meanwhile, let us live with a victorious attitude, not one of defeat.
DAILY MEDITATIONS:
Monday: Psalm 125:1
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
Tuesday: Matthew 17:20
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you,”
Wednesday: Luke 18:27
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
Thursday: Luke 1:37
For no word from God will ever fail.”
Friday: Exodus 14:14
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Saturday: Ezekiel 12:28
“Therefore say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign LORD.’”
Sunday: Psalm 130:5
I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
All scriptures are quoted from the New International Version (NIV).
By Pastor Katherine Han
