SETTLING FOR LAISH
Today's reading:  Joshua 16-20

"But the tribe of Dan had trouble taking possession of their land, so they fought against the town of Laish."  Joshua 19:47 NLT

My Bible commentary says the tribe of Dan had a hard time capturing their allotted land, so they settled for conquering the town of Laish, an easier victory.

It was their land.  It was given to them by God.  They were, after all, the children of God--and no one could push them around.  They had experienced first hand the power of God in moving out enemies and giving victory.

And yet, they settled for less.

Maybe the area they settled for was not as fertile.  Not as big.  Not as abundant.  Not as beautiful.  Not as close to a good water source.  Not as big an area.

Maybe they considered themselves to be too small a tribe to defeat their enemies.  Their enemies too big.  The land too good for them.  The task too large.

Maybe they tried and failed at first.  Maybe it took more effort than they expected to give.  Maybe it required more commitment they really wanted to give it.  Maybe they believed the pessimistic folks among them.

Maybe they're a lot like us.

What is yours, that you're not claiming?