This story reminds me of a similar situation in the life of David. King David was desiring to conquer Jerusalem and so he said to his men, “The first one of you guys who finds a way to break into the city shall be general of my army” (see 1 Chronicles 11:6).

Here, Caleb says, “The first one who takes the city of Debir (also called Kirjath-sepher) gets to marry my daughter” - who must have been quite a prize. As it so happened, Caleb’s nephew was the first one to make it inside the city, and thus he was rewarded.

The principle in both the story of David and Caleb is that God blesses and honors the individual who is an initiator. Too often, people hold back and wait, thinking, “I really can’t start a home Bible study,” or “I can’t disciple some junior high kids. Nobody has asked me.” That’s not the point. Perhaps no one will ask you to do anything, but the Holy Spirit will lay upon your heart certain things He desires you to do, and God will bless you as you initiate, instigate, and move out in those specific areas and visions.

This week, ask the Lord what Debir He has for you to conquer. If God is calling you to assemble an intercession group, don’t call the church office and ask permission - just do it! If He is calling you to China, God bless you! I encourage and exhort you in the name of Jesus to respond to the varied, creative, needful avenues of ministry He will open before you via the promptings of the Holy Ghost.