Speak Faith

Then Joshua said to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph, “Since you are so large and strong, you will be given more than one portion. The forests of the hill country will be yours as well. Clear as much of the land as you wish, and take possession of its farthest corners. And you will drive out the Canaanites from the valleys, too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots.” [Joshua 17.17-18]

Joshua must have cringed when he heard the excuse from the descendants of Joseph about the forests of the hill country. Their declaration that the occupants of that portion of land were too strong for them must have brought back real bad memories for Joshua!

I am guessing Joshua had to fight back not wanting to fight these his own people when he heard very similar wording to that which cost Israel 40 years in the wilderness!

But Joshua did not respond as I would have guessed. Instead, Joshua responded with words of pure faith and confidence.

It occurs to me that the descendants of Joseph likely thought Joshua was not even listening to them - and, I suppose, that could have been true to a degree. But, it was for a purpose - a higher purpose - one of faith and trust in YAHWEH God's promise of giving Israel all the land of Canaan!

I still wonder why Joshua did not confront their unbelief but perhaps his confrontation of it would have contributed to his own doubt, and so, he elected to speak faith.

Joshua spoke faith.

Could there be a lesson here?

Father, I have been so guilty of speaking much less than faith over things and situations that You clearly promised in Your Word that You would take care of (in my favor). Please forgive me! Teach me to speak faith!