Joshua 14:^6-12 The people of Judah came to Joshua at Gilgal. Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite spoke: “You’ll remember what God said to Moses the man of God concerning you and me back at Kadesh Barnea. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of God sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land. And I brought back an honest and accurate report. My companions who went with me discouraged the people, but I stuck to my guns, totally with God, my God. That was the day that Moses solemnly promised, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance, you and your children’s, forever. Yes, you have lived totally for God.’ Now look at me: God has kept me alive, as he promised. It is now forty-five years since God spoke this word to Moses, years in which Israel wandered in the wilderness. And here I am today, eighty-five years old! I’m as strong as I was the day Moses sent me out. I’m as strong as ever in battle, whether coming or going. So give me this hill country that God promised me. You yourself heard the report, that the Anakim were there with their great fortress cities. If God goes with me, I will drive them out, just as God said.”

My mom will turn 82 this year. Those who know her will agree that her stamina is amazing and she does not look her age at all. Her and my stepdad are founders of Ebenezer Glen Orphanage in Dessalines, Haiti. For 42 years, they have followed the call of God to begin an orphanage, clinic and school. The amazing part of it is that they were simple everyday people with a call that they could have either obeyed or denied. Neither had sufficient education for any denomination to back them. But God began to open door after door for them, they simply chose to walk through it and trust in him. Was it easy? No. Was there persecution? Lots! Did they want to quit? Often! Did they grow weary? Yes, but they realized something; their strength came from the Lord. God called them and he was faithful to back them up. 

A few months ago, mom returned to the states with a stress related chronic fatigue illness. She was tired, weary and thought perhaps she should think of retiring, turn over the orphanage to younger more qualified people. Last Sunday, our pastor preached a powerful prophetic message that stirred her heart once again. The verses he gave were the same ones that God had given her 30 years ago. As she told me about the message, she declared that God wasn’t finished with them, there was so much more to do. I reminded her that Sarah didn’t even have Isaac until she was 90 to which she stated, “I don’t want to have a baby!” No, but she has a seed of promise she’s ready to birth. 

Promise can’t be limited to age, social status or financial statistics. Promise is for all who will believe and give God the reins of their lives for Him to use as he sees fit. You may not feel qualified but He who is in you is more than qualified. You may not feel gifted or able to do anything but if you have the ability to hear Gods voice and trust that He who is in you is able, you are EXACTLY who he wants. He’s looking for you, waiting for you to say, “Yes Lord, I will.” 

Just because you say yes, opens you up for promise and blessing, not without persecution, but your reward will far outweigh your sacrifice. Your family won’t understand. You may have to leave your comfort zone, but what is comfort now if it robs you and others of the very thing God requires of you. What are you waiting for? Matthew 16:25-27, Jesus said these words: Any of you who try to save the life you have will lose it. But you who give up your life for me will find true life.  It is worth nothing for you to have the whole world if you yourself are lost. You could never pay enough to buy back your life.  The Son of Man will come again with his Father’s glory and with his angels. And he will reward everyone for what they have done.

Father, I’m not asking for an easy life, I’m asking that you use me. I’m not asking to retire and live a comfortable life with my feet up, coffee in one hand and a good book in the other, although at times it sounds nice, I know that when I get to heaven there will be plenty of time for that but while here on earth, I must be about my Fathers business. My life is useless without you, but with you, I can do all things. Help me to hear clearly your direction for this day and regardless of what you tell me to do, may I be quick to obey.