Guiding Scripture: Joshua 1:6 - “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.”
- In the book of Joshua, God leads the Israelites into the promised land of Canaan, a land “flowing with milk and honey.” As believers, we all have things that represent our own Promised Land, an area where God has made promises to us that He will fulfill in His timing. For some Christians, the Promised Land means being the first person in their family to earn a college degree. For others, it means getting married or having a child after years of infertility. No matter what your Promised Land may be, one thing is certain: it is never smooth sailing. We frequently talk about the challenge of enduring the storms of the Christian life, but we spend far less time talking about the challenges of stewarding God’s promises once He brings them to pass. That’s what today’s episode is all about.
- In your Promised Land, you can expect to receive new instructions from the Lord.
- Joshua 1:2 - “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.”
- A new level of consecration.
- Joshua 5:2 - “At that time the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.’ So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth.”
- New levels of spiritual warfare.
- Joshua 10:25 - “Joshua said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.’”
- New temptations (and possibly old ones!).
- Joshua 7:1 - “But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Karmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel.”
- New victories and blessings from God.
- Joshua 1:3,5 - “I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses... No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
- Note: When you have a strong relationship with the Lord, He will often warn you about many of these things before they happen so you can prepare ahead of time.
Action Step: Based on the factors outlined in this episode, are you seeing God’s promises manifesting in your life right now? If not, ask Him to speak to you about how He is preparing you for them, and what you can do to partner with Him in the process.