I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Joshua 14:11
Besides Joshua, Caleb was the only man who remained from an entire generation. It is fascinating to me that at the age of eighty-five he was just as strong as he had been at forty. But greater than his physical strength was his strength of character and his belief in God's power and ability.
The Anakites were giants. They were the people whom the spies had described when Joshua and Caleb first visited the promised land. Their fortified cities in the hills around Hebron were some of the last that remained in the land. Yet Caleb was not intimidated by them. He knew God would fulfill His promise. He did not hesitate to say, "but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out." He knew that one man can drive out a legion of enemies if the Lord is with him.
Lord, this week I have faced temptations that I thought were gone. Apparently, some of my enemies remain. Like giants hidden in fortified cities, they have continued to thrive. Yet the time has come for them to be driven out. With You helping me, there is no temptation than can survive; there is no enemy that is too great. Make me strong and vigorous - in body and spirit. When I am eighty-five, I want to be fighting the good fight, so that others might know Your power. Stand by me. Fight for me. I am still confident of this: I will see Your goodness in the land of the living!