What Would Caleb Say?

The Israelites: Delivered but Still Immature

In Numbers 13–14, we see a people chosen by God who were spiritually immature. They didn’t interpret challenges or blessings as opportunities for growth. Instead, they wanted to return to trauma because they didn’t believe they were capable of more.

God instructs Moses to send 12 men—one from each tribe—to spy out the promised land. They go, they see exactly what God promised, and they also see obstacles (giants).

I believe the giants were there on purpose—because yes, you will receive the blessing, but you will also have to do some work. Not work to destroy you, but to build you, strengthen you, and show you God’s strategy. The Israelites would possess the land not by their own strength, but with the help of God.

But out of the 12 spies, only Caleb—a brave man from the tribe of Judah (the lineage of Jesus)—received this revelation.

While the 11 others focused on what looked like a setback, Caleb said:

“Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.”
(Numbers 13:30)

Caleb didn’t only see obstacles. He didn’t look at his human capacity.
He saw the mighty hand of God.

Later, in chapter 14, when the people rebel and believe the negative report, Caleb speaks again with wisdom and revelation:

“If the Lord delights in us, He will bring us into this land and give it to us.”

From this alone we see how two people can look at the same thing and have two completely different perceptions. The discouraging perception always feels the loudest.

This is like when you want to apply for a job but talk yourself out of it because you don’t meet 3 out of 50 requirements—even though God already confirmed it to you in a dream.

Or when you desire a child but science says it’s impossible, and people around you discourage your hope.

The voice that says “it’s impossible” is often so loud that many of us believe it.

But here is what the Lord has been teaching me:

All thoughts of limitation—from others or from yourself—are LIES.
Lies many of us have unknowingly believed all our lives.

Why Israel Wandered 40 Years

Israel refused Caleb’s voice.
They refused Moses, Joshua, and Aaron.
They believed the negative report and chose fear.

God wasn't cruel—He simply knew they didn’t love Him or themselves enough to handle the blessing.

They forgot the goodness of God.
They forgot He had already answered their prayer by delivering them from Egypt.

One of the habits that keeps me grounded is creating a gratitude list every morning. Before thinking about what I need next, I worship and list everything God already did. It strengthens my perspective.

Because sometimes we forget:

Even if you haven’t received the next promise, you are standing in a previous answered prayer.

What you have today, you didn’t have 6–7 years ago.

When the Promise Arrives With a Problem

Some of you reading this have prayed for something, and God answered—but the answer came with a challenge.

Maybe you prayed for a child. Then you got pregnant—but the same week you lost your job.

Suddenly you begin meditating on bills, responsibility, fear, and financial insecurity… and in your heart, without knowing it, you begin regretting the promise God just fulfilled.

Or maybe you prayed for a high-paying job. You get the interview, and you walk in as the only Black person, or the only woman, or the only person of your community.

Instead of preparing harder, you start shrinking.
You procrastinate.
You self-sabotage.
You start thinking you won’t fit in because of past trauma.

This is rebellion—not against God, but against yourself.
You are at war with your inner self.

Obstacles in your promise are not punishment—they’re preparation.
They are God’s signature.

The battle is easier than you think.
Your job is to stand still inside yourself:

• Shut down the negative talk

• Shut down discouragement

• Stop comparing yourself

• Stop envying others

• Be calm in your spirit

• Praise God with confidence

Standing still does not mean doing nothing.
It means doing what God tells you—and after that, waiting.

Many of you think you must be perfect to receive from God. No.
God doesn’t require perfection.
He requires faith.

Humans look at behaviour.
God looks at the heart posture.

What Would Caleb Say?

Ask yourself this question:

What would Caleb say if he were in my situation?

Caleb would rely on God.
He would speak confidence.
He would stand on revelation:

“The God who split the sea can give us this land.”

Maybe God didn’t split a sea for you, but remember the times He helped you when you thought there was no solution—when you were on your last dollar and an unexpected door opened.

Those were not coincidences—that was grace.

Lean on those memories.
Use them as fuel.
Change your perspective.

When you remember what God already did, you overcome the giants in front of you.

“He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world.”

This Scripture carried me when fear tried to eat me alive.

You Need a New Mindset for the Next Blessing

You cannot enter the next stage with the same mindset that carried you in your past.
God wants you to:

• grow,

• face new challenges,

• develop new habits,

• leave certain environments,

• and let go of old thinking patterns.

The next thing God has for you requires a new version of you.

God is the God of “I’ve never done this before.”
He reveals new dimensions of you—potentials and strengths you never imagined you had.

He allows circumstances that trigger your insecurities not to break you, but to push you into His perspective.

Exercise