Have you faced a mountain in your life and wondered if you would ever overcome it? Let’s get inspiration from Caleb in the Bible: ” Give me this mountain .”
Just the other day, I received encouragement from Caleb’s story (see Joshua 14:7-15).
I’ll tell you why in a moment.
Right now, I’m facing the mountain of getting older. I see new gray hairs on my head and feeling aches in my body that I’ve never felt before.
It seems that I was 17 years-old just yesterday! And yet, I have a vision of aging well from the Bible and the attitude needed to conquer mountains.
A Blessing for Aging Well
Speak this blessing over yourself right now, making it personal for you:
The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,
– Psalm 92:12-15 (NKJV)
He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing,
To declare that the Lord is upright;
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”
Wow. Do you feel the strength and assurance in these words, with all of those “shalls”? If not, speak them again with conviction, emphasizing each ‘shall’!
Ask the Lord for a vision of yourself living out this blessing daily, trusting Him for the wisdom to make choices that glorify Him and the strength to carry them out!
My Godly Role Model for Aging Well
You may recall that Caleb was one of the 12 men sent to spy out the Promised Land for Moses and report back on the conditions there.
When the men returned, 10 of the spies gave a bad report, stating all the reasons why they couldn’t conquer the land.
However, Caleb and Joshua had a different spirit; they gave the people reasons why they could succeed.
After all, they declared, “The Lord is with us.”
However, the others chose to believe the bad report. They disobeyed God and refused to go into the Promised Land.
As a result, the Lord caused the people wander in the wilderness for 40 years.
Even though Caleb had to go through the wilderness too, the Lord made him a promise:
But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it.”
– Numbers 14:24
Caleb held on to the Lord’s promise for over 40 years. When the years were complete, Caleb was able to stand before Joshua and declare boldly:
And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said (Joshua 14:10-12).”
Don’t you just love that Caleb said, “give me this mountain” rather than “may I have this mountain, pretty please?”
Caleb knew what belonged to him and he was willing to fight to get it.
Caleb’s Lessons on Conquering Life’s Mountains
In the following article, I share 3 things you can learn from Caleb’s story that will help you overcome mountains in your life.
1. Believe God’s word. Caleb held fast to God’s word that the land was his, even though it didn’t look like it.
While others saw only obstacles, Caleb saw possibilities:
The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.”
2. Be resilient. Imagine an inflated beach ball thrown down to a hard surface. What happens?
It bounces back!
I am sure that Caleb experienced much disappointment when he was denied going into the Promised Land the first time – all because the other people refused to believe God and did not claim what was rightfully theirs.
Disappointment hurts. But it is a mark of Spiritual maturity when you do not let disappointment stop you.
You accept it, you admit that it hurts, but you forge ahead anyway.
You know that quitting is the 100% way to failure.
When Caleb laid claim to his mountain, I see his statement in 2 ways:
- He was determined to get what belongs to him, no matter what
- He was willing to embrace hardship and overcome whatever obstacles and setbacks stood in his way
Suffering is a part of life in this sin-filled world. We won’t truly be free of pain until we get to heaven.
Oh what a glorious day that will be!
But in the meantime, God gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit. He is our Comforter and Guide.
He helps us grow stronger as we go through life’s trials.
3. Be willing to fight the battles. Whenever you are trying to achieve something good in life, watch out!
There will be opposition.
The way to overcome is to keep the outcome for which you are believing firmly in your mind. You have to make that prize bigger in your mind than any obstacle standing in the way.
Visualize that prize several times a day and “see” it in your mind’s eye until the movie makes you smile!
Caleb held on to the vision that he would receive the land the Lord gave him.
He and His people were willing to fight the “giants” in the land to receive their inheritance.
He knew His enemies would not give up without a fight.
So he faced that reality, was willing to endure any “war wounds”, but he wasn’t willing to give up.
As a result, this was Caleb’s prize:
And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance. Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel (Joshua 14:13-14).”
Caleb received his inheritance for himself and his descendants because he wholly followed God.
We receive our inheritance in the same way. We may get some bruises and scrapes along the way, but we remain determined to claim our mountain.
Just as in the natural, Spiritual mountains are not easy to climb. But once you get to the top, the view is spectacular!
Be Blessed with Health, Healing, and Wholeness,
Kimberly Taylor
Author/Christian Life Coach of the Take Back Your Temple Weight Loss Community
P.S. Do you struggle with overeating sugar? If so, you are not alone!
Overcoming sugar addiction was a key factor on my weight loss journey; I lost 85 pounds and dropped from a size 22 to an 8.
In our 14-day Sugar Detox Challenge online course (inside the Take Back Your Temple Community), you’ll get the same success strategies and support to gain peace in your eating habits and achieve lasting weight loss.
Click here to learn more about the Take Back Your Temple Christian Weight Loss Community.
As I age, I wonder at times, can God still use me…but then I think of those mentioned in the Bible and I am certain…yes He can. I continue to live for Him and He will continue to give me this mountain. No matter the age, no matter the health obstacles.
Yes, He can, Teresa! Keep Psalm 92:13-15 in mind for encouragement:
Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing,
To declare that the Lord is upright;
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
How awesome and thank you. What a lesson learned and one to never forget. Reading about Caleb and how God used him.
Amen, Renee – Caleb is such an inspiration to me, even though he lived thousands of years ago!
Wonderful there are no mountains we can’t climb no rivers we cannot cross. God has made us to win. Phil 4:19 Our God shall supply all our need according to His riches in Christ Jesus. Our health is our wealth. As it is in the spirit so shall it be in the soul and body. Divine health permeates us as we sit under His dunamis spout. Isaiah 40:31. We seek Him first Matthew 6:33 and He grants us our desires Proverbs 10:24b so we can have His abundant life John 10:10 To God be glorified.
Amen, Rev Sophia!
Excellent, as usual, Kimberly!! I love this and will use it to strengthen me for the battle ahead…on to the finish line!! Quit is not a part of my vocabulary as one with God!!! We have an unbeatable team!!!
Praise God, Alex – He is good!
Hello sorry I read the info but I wasn’t able to be on it . Back at work. Thank you for the email because I can listen to them at a later time.
Wonderful, Renee!
Amen thank you! to God be the Glory
Amen and indeed – God is good!
This is so helpful and encouraging! I just finished a study on the book of Joshua by Alan Redpath and your article goes right along with it. Thank you so much for all your loving work to help your brothers and sisters in Christ!
Amen! Lord, give me this mountain.
Great breakdown of one of my favorite Bible characters. May God continue to impart revelation knowledge to you.
This is truly a word for me Kimberly, you are blessed and Your blessing is giving lite to many, including me, last night I went to bed with a prayer,and this morning it was answered with the word you shared, I am so thankful I am part of TBYT keep encouraging us with your gift.
Thank you SO much, Karen – all praise to God!
Thanks for this good news I really needed to hear it today. Be blessed you and your family.
You are welcome, Joyce – may the Lord be with you!
Caleb is my guy… my favorite hero of faith. Probably because I’m 61. Life has handed me my share of battles and God has proven Himself to be beyond faithful and set my feet in a wide open field and I stand here saved… surprised to be loved. Psalm 18:19. One commentary I read on Caleb is that he didn’t just ask for his mountain because he wanted this land, but because he wanted to do something honorable for the Lord. There were giants, enemies of God in the land of Hebron, the place where Abraham and Sarah were buried. He wanted to take back the land that belonged to God’s people. Isn’t that another blog post for this beautiful space? “Take back” ground the enemy is squatting on for the glory of God. Thanks, Kimberly! So appreciate you.
Thank you for providing that expanding perspective about Caleb, Rhonda! I will mediate on the topic of taking back what the enemy stole and see what the Lord reveals. God bless you 🙂
Thank you. I can across this article while researching the topic Give me this mountain. I have been struggling with my eating habits the past two months and wondering why am off a sudden I can’t stop eating, putting it down to being at home ahead before I could fast with ease… And reading the comments left by the other lakes made me realize it’s because I have been trying to do it on my own strength and not through the power of the Holy Spirit.. That this to is another mountain I need to ask God to give me and fight for. That there will be suffering and scars but ultimately by faith I can climb it and reach the top. With God all things are possible. Am embarking on my weight loss journey again, with a different view and attitude this time, as a child of God who can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Give me this mountain Lord!
My Takeaways: They complained: the Israelites, Moses, and the spies. Caleb seemed to have it together. God had to remind them who was in charge. He sent fire and plagues. Something Old: Quail, Quail, and then some more Quail! God gave them their request! Something New: Ok, so today”s reading was sad. These people so quickly forgot what all God had done for them. Their unbelief and unfaithfulness saddens my heart, but we are no different today. We’re inclined to grumble, to be thankless, and to complain about our circumstances, how quickly we forget what God has done for us by sending His son. We must remember his gracious redemption and provision. The fact that me — a sinner who was an enemy of God — am now a beloved child is a miracle. I can”t let that wonder ever fade. I must remember otherwise I”m no different than the Israelites wandering through the wilderness complaining about this and that. Something To Do: I must always keep in me joy in God and a deep sense of gratitude that God loves me, knows me, and keeps me. Stop grumbling and remember my many many blessings. Remember who God is and what he has done, because he never forgets me.
Thank you for these anointed words of wisdom.
I pray that your “growing pains” are minimal
thank you thank you thank you – that spoke to me and encouraged me greatly. You are used by God (many times now)
Hi Kimberly there’s a mountain confront of me but I will overcome it because I am going to climb it in God grace
Beautiful
Thanks for the Reminder. Timely, and yes LORD GIVE ME THUS MOUNTAIN. NOW is the time.
THANKS Kimberly
Kimberly
Your article on Caleb,and the promised land came right when I was feeling useless.. I have had this mountain of overeating a long time. Some times are better than others. I struggle with that feeling of hunger before going to sleep. I always feel I have to have something! I also! can identify with your feelings of growing older..Not doing well with that. I have always struggled with the weight but, had my looks! I see my facial image changing and now I feel Ii don’t even have that. I also have Vertigo which limits me from doing things. I have come against been prayed over and still have this at times. It did not stop me from going to Israel in 2015! I took my cane chair and used it when i had to. I will always! have that memory. satan can’t take that from me. I just feel there is no purpose at this age 73 I believe! I have been called as an intercessor so! I do pray. This was an uplifting article! God! is using you in an Awesome! way to help us who struggle with this demon that wants to attach to us! I don’t think! I ever thought of this food struggle as a suffering….maybe because I didn’t want to feel the pain!
Thanks again Kimberly
God Bless You
PS: I am on a fixed income and can not afford your program but! I have followed your 21 day program. I think! I have lost some weight. It feels it in my clothes. I will know next week when I check my weight at Publix
A wonderful word in season. I’m still on the mountain and claiming it for my own.
Catherine.
This is an awesome word. I feel encouraged today to keep going and not give uo! God does have plans for me and you! Focus on His power to heal us. We just need to know in our hearts that He is an awesome God, King of kings, father to the fatherless, the Holy one of Israel, Abba Father, Thank you for the word. Just solidifies what I knew became real ! Blessings sweet sister!
Wonderful!! We am so thankful we found you. God was our direction in finding your devotions and your 30 Day Prayer Take Back Your Temple.
My sister and I love the way you have encouraged us on this journey. We both have health issues and need to Take Back Our Temple.
During my annual New Year prayer and fasting God brought me to the fact, I was not allowing the fruit of the Spirit (self control) to work in me. Then He lead me to you for insight and wisdom. His Word is powerful in all matters of our life.
We will keep you posted on the condition of our Temple as the months go by. Thank you again for stepping out in faith to start this ministry.
Kimberley, the verses you quoted are ones I hang on too. And I now have considerable gray hair! This is such a great post – I am challenged to move the mountain of excess weight and overcome what I suspect is an addiction to sugar. I have tried, and got thoroughly discouraged when I tripped up. But now is the time for this mountain to go. It’s not going to be easy – but with God, it is possible. Thank you for writing this.
Very grateful with this massege . feeling good to go on .thank you very much .God will one day give me my healing in Jesus name amen. I’m very encouraged with this massege today .stay blessed Kimberly where ever you are you have speaking with my life today “give me the mountain”
God is doing something great and supernatural in my marriage. I ask Him to give me this mountain in my marriage.I see this montain as an opportunity for God to bringforth a platform of victory and honor in His name to show a watching world that He the God of the possibilities in our lives.And there is nothing in our lives that is out the reach of God . Everything is attainable with God and there is nothing in our lives that He cannot not fixed.I am feeling very confidence in my spirit. I am secreting and declaring over my like that I am on the verge of a mighty move of God through my siuation In our siuation lies the sensitive. areas.of our lives that God want to make himself known in a very profound way.keep the faith and stay encouraged in the Lord.
Amen – Jacqueline! I am praying that God be glorified in your situation: “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled… (Hebrews 13:4)”
As I read this article I realized that in my battle with weight, I have not been willing to suffer, to experience the feelings of loss of my favorite foods, or even to feel temporarily deprived of eating. I’m learning that it is ok to have to give up something that is not good for me, and it’s ok (I will survive) if I don’t eat something right now. I can go through the evening and night without eating! Or if I do eat, I can limit it to one small snack! To win the battle you have to fight against the enemy, and you usually have to suffer some war wounds, but God is on my side so I will be victorious if I just am willing to stay in the battle.
Mary, I didn’t think of “not having a night snack” as suffering a loss or even seeing it as ” war wounds” but when I read that it struck me as interesting. It is insight into my late night cravings. Thanks for sharing And I’m taking God’s Temple all the way to the TOP IN JESUS NAME. KEEP THE FAITH, BLESSINGS
Mary, I totally agree with you! I have not been willing to suffer and feel the loss of my favorite foods because they have been a friend of comfort! I have abused carbs and refined sugar for some long that it’s hard to imagine giving them up! I’ve lost the same 50 lbs over again and again only to regain them back.
This time I have a new attitude because I realize I’m powerless over certain foods. I know I need to surrender to God and allow him to heal me internally. I can’t do this without the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
We are overcomers!!! I love the confidence…Give me this mountain…because it is what God wants. YES! Thanks Kimberly for ALWAYS drawing our eyes upward. Thank you God for Kimberly.
Kimberly, Amazing article! Thank you so much for this inspirational article. What a blessing from the Lord. In Him, we can take this mountain. Bless you, Debbie
Absolutely beautiful and well written! Heaven sent! I will overcome this mountain of fat and food addiction! God gave me a revelation yesterday about my eating habits. I have always felt out of control when it comes to food. When I have cravings or feelings of hunger, I feel like I have to succumb to them they were always too powerful to resist. Those “feelings” have controlled me my entire life. I realize now, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that they are mere feelings. I will not die if I don’t eat that cookie right this minute. I CAN sleep on an empty stomach. Last night when that urge to eat again hit me, I rebuked it and it fled. I waited to see if it was real hunger or just a craving before I prayed against. God has given us power to fight. It’s time to use it. I am claiming my mountain! “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” NIV
I didn’t realize I had been dealing with a spirit all this time. A spirit that is trying to kill me. A spirit that is trying to keep me from my God given destiny. So it’s time to put on the amor of God. I want to reach the mountain top. I want to see the view from up high. 😀
Good on you Im claiming my mountain too I pray you will run to the top
Amen! We got this!
LaTanya,
Oh my what a truth. I thank God for reading your reply as Well. Oh how I “feel” at NIGHT the STRONG DESIRE, EAT EAT EAT the thoughts flood my head! Over & over. Thanks through your post I realize it’s just “feelings.” I WILL NOT DIE & I CAN SLEEP ON AN EMPTY STOMACH SIMPLE BUT PROFOUND for ME
GOD BLESS YOUR EFFORTS
KIM
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Your testimony spoke to me. The revelation that there is a spirit trying to destroy me gives me a better picture of how to deal with this. I’m not dealing with my hunger, emotions or whatever it seems like at the time but an evil spirit out to destroy me. This has opened my eyes in a whole new way. Keep me in your prayers as I fight this battle. I plan on winning! Blessings to you!!!
Hi Latanya
I am standing with you!
I have been fighting the food battle along with my finances
But! I am taking both mountains with the Lord!
Like Joshua we will possess the land and take back what is ours. For me! That is freedom from overeating and being debt free! It is done! In Jesus Name!