“Then Joshua asked them, “How long are you going to wait before taking possession of the remaining land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given to you?” – Joshua 18:3 NLT
Here’s the back story… Joshua has just lead the nation of Israel into the promised land. They drove out all the nations living there and took possession of the land. Once the land belonged the Israel, Joshua began to divide up the land among all the tribes of Israel. But you see, once he gave a tribe their allotment of land, that tribe (we’re talking somewhere’s around 600,000 men, not including women and children… lots of people!) was responsible to take possession of their land.
Now here’s the picture, you can live in the promised land and not take possession of it. They were essentially “camped out” there. I don’t know about you, but when I’m camping, it’s temporary. I’ve never gone to the woods with a tent, food rations, fire wood, and a Realtor. People who are camping plan on leaving at some point. The same is true with some people who have found new life in Christ. They are “camped out” in Christ. But it’s time to pull up those tent pegs and take possession of the life God has called us to live!
Maybe it’s because nothing truly great has ever happened to them. Maybe they’ve been let down and disappointed. Whatever the reason, those people have a hard time believing that good things can last. Perhaps you’ve felt like the same way. That the only thing in your life that seems to be constant is trouble. Let me encourage you. THE SAME GOD WHO SAVED YOU IS THE SAME GOD WHO IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU. Don’t worry about tomorrow, follow after God with all your heart today. God says to you and I, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deut. 31:6
So what part of the promised land have you not taken possession of yet? What are of your life has yet to be infiltrated with the Word of God and prayer? Can’t put your finger on it yet? Here are four common areas we need take:
1. Unforgiveness. Actively forgive those who have wronged you. Anytime you forgive, you win.
2. Regrets. Everything can be turned around to bring God glory. Trust that the same God who can forgive sin can heal your heart and your mind from the pains of your past.
3. Immorality. Big word for sin. No sin is bigger than God’s grace. Not one.
4. Abandoned Hopes and Dreams. God has a plan for each one of us. And not only does He have a plan, but He’s designed each one of us, like a Master Engineer, to play a very important role in His plan. An important key to finding God’s plan for your life is to examine the hopes, dreams, desires, and gifts God has uniquely given to you.
So what area in your life is God calling you to take possession of today? Write it down. Pray. Get Godly counsel and some good advice. Quit waiting. Don’t put it off another day. By God’s grace, you can do this. How long are you going to wait before taking possession of the remaining land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given to you?
