The Rob Skinner Podcast

Don’t Die in the Desert: How to Live the Life God Intended

Have you ever wondered whether you are settling for less than the life God intended for you?

The Israelites witnessed miracles, crossed the Red Sea, ate manna from heaven, and experienced God’s power firsthand. Yet almost an entire generation died in the wilderness because fear kept them from stepping into God’s promises.

In this episode, adapted from a lesson Rob taught at a ministry training retreat in Spokane, Washington, Rob explores the life of Caleb and asks a challenging question:

What if the greatest danger is not failure—but living safely?

While most of his generation wandered in circles, Caleb remained faithful, courageous, mission-focused, and ready for his next adventure. At 85 years old, he was still dreaming, still fighting, and still asking God for more:

“Now give me this hill country.”

Rob shares seven principles for becoming a faithful adventurer—someone willing to go anywhere, do anything, and trust God enough to receive the life He intended.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why it is possible to be forgiven and still miss much of God’s purpose for your life • What Caleb saw that the other spies could not see • Why faith does not deny reality—it adds God to the equation • The power of following God wholeheartedly • How Rob and Pam learned to keep saying yes to new adventures • Why courage means taking action even when you feel afraid • How to recognize and resist a “shadow mission” • Why your career, education, and money are tools—not your ultimate mission • The importance of staying physically and spiritually strong • Why many people regret playing it safe more than taking meaningful risks • Practical principles for reading, learning, saving, growing, and overcoming failure • How to finish life with purpose instead of regret

The tragedy of Israel’s story was not a lack of opportunity. They saw the same land, heard the same promises, and witnessed the same miracles as Caleb.

Fear simply made their decisions.

Don’t allow fear to make decisions that faith should make.

Keep dreaming.

Keep growing.

Keep saying yes to God.

And when your opportunity comes, have the faith to say:

“Now give me this hill country.”

Find Rob’s books, podcast resources, and ways to support the ministry at RobSkinner.com.

Rob’s goal is to inspire you to live a no-regrets life, make this life count, and multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.