It’s yours—if you fight for it

“Take possession of the land…God is giving you.” Joshua 1:11 NIV

God told Joshua, “You will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you.” As far as God was concerned, the promised land already belonged to His people. But when He told them to “take possession,” that meant they would have to fight for it. There were thirty-one kings living there—warlords, each with their own tribal armies. There were seven major cities to conquer and giants to overcome. So here are the questions: (1) Do you believe God has given you the gifting, resources, and strength to fulfill your destiny? (2) Are you willing to fight for it? You won’t win in your own strength, but the good news is, you don’t have to. God said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you” (v. 9 NIV). Whatever God calls you to do, He will give you the ability to do, but you must work to develop that ability. Sometimes He will answer your prayer immediately and give you what you’re asking for. Other times, the onus is on you to pursue what He promised—and that calls for passion, patience, and persistence. Has it occurred to you that you may be waiting for God to bring you something, and He’s waiting for you to go and get it? He doesn’t respond to our wishes or even to our pleading; He responds to faith in action! So the word for you today is this: it’s yours, if you’re willing to fight for it!

Bible in a year: Luke 2:1-22 and Psalm 13-15