Now that the land was under Israelite control, the entire community of Israel gathered at Shiloh and set up the Tabernacle. But there remained seven tribes who had not yet been allotted their grants of land. 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 18.1-3]
There was something going on that is not really clear from the Bible's text regarding the conquest of the Promised Land. It had come under Israelite control, but evidently had areas that had yet to be possessed. There were obviously people still there that had yet to be removed and it was Israel's job to do it.
I cannot help but think that this serves to remind us that when God tells us to do something, we should do it completely and wholeheartedly. Otherwise, that which we fail to do will eventually be a source of trouble in the future.
With the above paragraph in mind, what trouble in our lives today might be the result of not having followed God's direction concerning it early on? To answer this question would take days!
Joshua urged Israel to be proactive about taking possession of the land. This is precisely Christians' duty today. It starts in and with prayer.
Prayer is where our conquest begins and finds direction and strength. Prayer is where our instruction (the Bible) is understood and made clear. Prayer is where the Holy Spirit comes into the mix. Prayer is where we receive our specific marching orders. Prayer is where the spiritual framework is laid for the work of ministry we engage in.
You see, if we are not praying, there is little hope that we will effectively possess the land.
Father, help us to pray and to pray with fervency for the work that is set before us. Help us to posses every inch of land You have given us - not for us, but for Your Kingdom!
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