The story of Caleb can be found in Numbers chapters 13 and 14

Influential Men of the Bible: Caleb
The story of Caleb can be found in Numbers chapters 13 and 14

Caleb the son of Jephunneh, was 38 years old at the time of Israel’s exodus from Egypt. He was one of twelve men chosen by Moses to go out and spy out the country of Canaan. The twelve men chosen represented leaders who were tried and true among their tribes. He represented the tribe of Judah (meaning praise). Moses told the twelve to go out to check and see what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many. What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified? How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees on it or not? Finally before sending them out, he told them to bring back a sample of the grapes that were growing there. Over the course of forty days, the twelve men spied out the land as they were told by their leader. When they arrived at the brook of Eshcol (the name means cluster of grapes), they cut down a branch with one cluster of grapes that required two men to carry because they were so big. They then gathered some pomegranates and figs and headed back to their camp. Back at the camp they gave their report of what they saw, and showed them the fruit they brought back from their trip.

Ten of the men began their reports about how the land was rich and flowed with milk and honey, but ended the reports of powerful cities and giants in the land. These reports stirred fear in the hearts of the people. Caleb calmed the people down and said "Let’s go up and take the land now. We can do it!" He and Joshua wanted the people to trust God and move ahead, but instead the people began complaining. The report of the ten and the response of the people caused God to become angry. He decided to punish them with a forty year wandering in the desert. On top of this, Joshua and Caleb would be the only two out of three million people to enter the promise land. Forty years later when Israel finally entered Canaan, a now eighty-five year-old Caleb remind Joshua what Moses had promised him for his faithfulness. "Give me my mountain" he declared (Joshua 14:12). Joshua granted Caleb the area around the city of Hebron for his faithfulness.

I heard someone say that "man’s extremity is God’s opportunity" When we come to the end of ourselves, somewhere between a rock and a hard place, then God can step in and do what he already promised that He would do. Isaiah 53:1 says who hath believed our report? Whose report do you believe? The doctor that says you are sick or Isaiah 53:5 that says "…and with his stripes we are healed"? It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been waiting for things to turn around in your life you can believe the report of the Lord. Don’t be afraid of challenges, obstacles, or overwhelming odds. If you can remember what God says about you, then against all odds you will win.