“When Acsah married Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. As she got down off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What’s the matter?”
(Joshua 15: 18 NLT)
Nestled in the account of land allotments is the notation of Caleb and his faithfulness. Scripture marks him as a man who followed God wholeheartedly. His family’s portion of the Promised Land was centered around Hebron. Though Caleb was old, he was still strong in fight and Kingdom purpose. When it came time to marry off his daughter, he saw God’s assignment in Israel still unfinished, so he pledged Acsah to the man who could capture Kiriath-sepher (or Debir), an unpossessed city to the south of his holdings. Othniel was the brave soldier to take on the task, winning Acsah’s hand in marriage. Acsah acquiesces to the agreement, yet she seemed unhappy, unwatered in a dry and thirsty land.
A quick google search of Debir reveals an ancient stone city in the dusty Negev. Beautiful, but without a constant source of water it would be deadly for it’s inhabitants. Acsah’s concern is entirely founded. This daughter was resigned to her fate, willing to go away with her new husband, but well aware of the fact that the lack of water would be an ongoing challenge. She somehow possessed the courage to go to her father and ask for extra (and essential) provisions.
“She said, “Give me another gift. You have already given me land in the Negev; now please give me springs of water, too.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.” (Joshua 15:19 NLT)
Acsah had the kind of relationship with her father, Caleb, that allowed for asking. She didn’t wait through the usual runaround; plying her husband to make the request on her behalf. He seemed reluctant in his relationship with her father anyway. Nope, Acsah had the kind of relationship where she could go to her father and look him in the eye and ask for what she needed. Acsah was honoring in her request, she was ready to live in the Negev with her appointed husband, she just needed the means to survive. And her father was happy to oblige.
Caleb was a good father. He wasn’t sending her to hard soil to make her miserable, he was sending her there to further the Kingdom, to accomplish the purpose of God in her life and for her people. It was not Caleb’s heart to see his daughter suffer, certainly not while he had the means to meet her need.
This reads to me like God-the-Father truths nestled right here in the midst of an ancient will-reading.
God appoints the times and places we live. Sometimes, we get tough assignments. Sometimes we’re called to live in the wilderness with people we don’t yet know.
Loving sons and daughters accept their lot in life. They trust their Father’s sovereignty and purpose. They happily resign themselves to His agenda, certain that they are furthering His Kingdom.
Children of God can approach the Father directly. We needn’t manipulate or commiserate. No messenger is sent on our behalf. We have the privilege of entering the throne room and making our need known.
God will give us the means to thrive wherever He assigns us. He’s a good Father and He knows our needs, sometimes He’s just waiting for us to ask so He can have the joy of saying ‘yes.’
If you are currently struggling with your assigned lot in life, it’s okay to go the Father and ask for what you need. He’s expecting our request and He’s happy to meet it.
What do you need from Abba today? What is additionally required for you to thrive in your designated desert space? Don’t be afraid to approach our loving Father and make your request. He is good. He is kind and He is able.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what what you need and thank Him for all He has done.” (Philippians 4:6 NLT)
Lord, we see You as the Good Father in this scripture. You have a plan and an appointment to further the Kingdom for future generations. As heirs, we have essential roles in that plan. We realize today that strategic Kingdom living often includes assigned territories that may be tough, but we can always come to You and ask about our needs. Just as Acsah found abundant provision in her Father’s presence, so will we. May we cultivate a relationship where we feel comfortable enough to bring our requests right into Your throne room. Please water us in our desert appointments, that we might bloom even in most arid places. Amen.