Take Possession of What is Yours

Read Joshua 18

How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers has given you?

While we may not be the children of Israel, there are lessons we can learn from their experience and interaction with God.

God said the land was theirs.  It was a done deal.  God gave it to them and it was theirs. Can you think of something God has given you?

The children of Israel had to go possess the land.  They had to fight for it.  They had to conquer the land and the people who lived there, in order to receive the land.  Was there a time you had to put forth much effort to claim victory?

The Bible doesn’t tell us how long the tribe of Benjamin waited to take the land, but it is obvious they procrastinated. Is there anything you are putting off that God wants you to pursue?

Indecision caused the children of Israel to live by a lesser standard.  In other words, God had a grand plan but they chose a lesser path.  They settled for second best over God’s best.  Where have you preferred second best instead of God’s best?

Delay and failure to move caused the tribe of Benjamin to loose sight of God.  Have you been consumed with worldly stuff that you lost sight of God?

Let’s review.  When God says something He means it.  We can count on it for sure.  This should give us confidence.  When God tells us to do something, we are responsible to act.  It may require extreme effort, but by remembering who is for us, we can do it.  Procrastination will not further God’s plan in our life.  Indecision leads us away from God’s plan.  Delay and failure to act is a symptom of lack of faith.  If we believer God, we will be energized to act.

Lord, thank you for giving us so much.  Help us to live holy and pleasing lives before you.  Teach us to take possess of what has already been given to us.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade.  Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.