Prayer Journal
Tuesday, October 3, 2000
Consistency is not always a good thing. Take the nation of Israel for example. If there's one thing we know from Scripture about them, it is that their faith seemed to waiver according to the time of day. Reading about Israel in Kings and Chronicles I am reminded of a roller coaster, that goes up and down, over and over. On their spiritual slide, the nation of Israel was really a strange bunch. They exhibited both the character of obedience and disobedience at the same time- a tradition of sin that their children continued for generations:
"They would not listen however, but persisted in their former practices. Even while these people were worshiping the Lord, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did." 2 Kings 17:40,41
But then, consistency can also be a good thing. Listen how differently Scripture views Caleb. He is a fine example of godly consistency:
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 went to check out the promised land and came back with one of two positive attitudes about possessing it. His opinion was rejected however, by the majority who doubted God's ability to give the victory. God condemned that generation of Israelites for failing to receive His promise.
So, Caleb wandered in the wilderness for 40 years without complaining, even though he was paying for someone else's mistake. Then, as an old man, when he could have retired and relaxed in his golden years, he trusted God to give him the land promised to his family. As he put on his combat suit, Caleb knew the enemy would not roll over and play dead. But, as far as we know, for all Caleb's days, he was consistent in his faith in God. He was convinced God would keep his promises, so Caleb was determined to keep his eyes on Him and remain steadfast in his trust in Him!
We are told in James that every good and perfect gift comes from God, who does not change like "shifting" shadows. (1:17) But what about us? Will we be like the people of Israel who were up one day and down the next based on their feelings? Or will we be like Caleb, who trusted God in every situation - all the time, even when everyone around him tried to convince him it was hopeless?
Just Thinkin'.. WebServant
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
