Faith in God’s Promises: A Devotional about Joshua and Caleb and Delayed Blessings

“So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.”

–Joshua 21:43-45

Have you ever felt like someone else’s decision cost you an opportunity? Maybe a boss overlooked you for a promotion, a teacher refused to write a recommendation, or a family member’s poor choices created setbacks in your life. When we suffer the consequences of decisions we didn’t make, it’s easy to become bitter, remain stuck in the past, and even believe the lie that our lives have been irrevocably ruined.

However, the story of Joshua and Caleb reveals that God’s promises are never derailed—even when others’ actions result in delayed blessings.

Joshua and Caleb: Faith in God’s Promises in the Face of Giants

Joshua and Caleb were among twelve spies sent to survey the promised land (Numbers 13:25-33). While the promised land was beautiful and fertile—just as God promised—it was also full of fortified cities and strong warriors. Among those warriors were men who could be considered giants (Numbers 13:32). 

Ten of the spies mentioned this in their report back to Moses and the rest of the Israelites. They were afraid and believed that fighting against the people in the promised land would lead to their slaughter. Not Joshua and Caleb. They believed wholeheartedly that God would give them the victory in the battles to come over the land. 

In the end, the people rejected the land and God’s instruction to conquer it. In response, God decided it would be the next generation that would receive the promised land. Joshua and Caleb would also receive it as they had faith in God’s promises.

Blessings Delayed, But Not Denied

While Joshua and Caleb were blessed to receive the land, they also had to wait. The current generation needed to pass away and the next generation needed men of fighting age to take the land. Their wait had nothing to do with the choices they made. They had to wait because of the unbelief and the choices of the other Israelites in their generation. 

Yet, God did keep His promise, and they eventually conquered the land. Caleb, despite his advanced age, was strong enough to fight for his inheritance (Joshua 14:6-12). Joshua, who led the Israelites into battle, documented their success. He proclaimed that “not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled” (Joshua 21:45).  

Not only did God bless them to successfully conquer the land, He also blessed them to enjoy their inheritance and even used them to encourage the next generation in their faith.

Trusting God While You Wait

How often do we face the same challenge? We may be faithful, hardworking, and obedient to God, yet someone else’s mistake, fear, or unbelief seemingly alters our path. 

When this happens, we can take heart while we struggle with delayed blessings because Joshua and Calebs story gives us hope. Their story reminds us that, while our lives may be impacted by others’ decisions, we can still trust in God’s good plans for us. It also reminds us that God has the ability to redeem not just our souls but our purpose as well. God is more than able to fulfill His promises in our lives regardless and even in spite of the actions of others. 

Just like Joshua and Caleb, we can one day proclaim that God was faithful to fulfill every promise He gave to us.

Key Takeaways for Waiting on Delayed Blessings:

• Even when it seems like others have set us back, God is still at work
• Instead of growing bitter, we can choose to trust God
• God can redeem not only our souls but our time and purpose

A Prayer for Faith in God’s Promises

Father God, thank you for not only redeeming our souls, but also our time and purpose. Help us to trust you as we wait for you to restore our lives, Father. Help us to forgive those who have hurt us, and move forward in faith, knowing that we will receive every good gift that you intended for us in your timing. In Jesus name, amen!

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