Fighting for the Promise

Joshua 1:10-11 ESV And Joshua commanded the officers of the people, “Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you are to pass over the Jordan to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’”

Three days later the Israelites began the conquest of the Promised Land. They would face impossible odds, hardship, and some of them would die in the endeavor. Yet this was THE PROMISED LAND! God had told Abraham centuries earlier that his descendants would possess this land. Still, they had to FIGHT to claim it.

Christians would do well to learn from this example. A promise from God does not mean that we won’t have to work and struggle to see it fulfilled. On the contrary, if God wants to give you something, the devil is likely going to try and make it difficult for you to possess it. However, if we follow where God leads and do what He commands, the devil will never be able to thwart God’s promises.

So many times Christians miss out on blessings and opportunities because they are too lazy or frightened to claim what God wants to give them. Like the Israelites 40 years earlier, modern Christians receive the promise but then see the obstacles ahead of them and refuse to move forward. Or, when they face opposition they turn and run rather fighting with God’s strength and becoming more than conquerors.

Yes, there will be giants in the “land” God has given to us. Yes, the opposition will seem better equipped and more fortified. Yes, victory sometimes takes patience and involves pain. Yes, the gates of hell often look daunting when we are marching against them but when God decrees, they will fall and we will stand victorious!

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your promises. Grant me the courage and faith to claim ever one of them. Remind me that whatever You give me will be far more valuable than the cost I pay to receive it!