TAKING POSSESSION
Today's reading: Joshua 16-20

There is no specific verse this morning as I have been pouring over the entire text of Joshua 14-20.

There is a lot that happens in these chapters. A lot that I, or another, might tend to skim over and not take apart.

Here is what I've seen...and remember, I'm no theologian. I'm just a gal who gets up each and every morning to seek out what God would speak to me.

Twelve tribes of Israel took off on this forty year journey of miraculous happenings, unbelievable provision and tests of obedience.

Twelve tribes crossed over the Jordan River in to the land promised to Abraham many years prior.

What I'm noticing this morning, and this may not be news to you, but of the twelve tribes, five tribes were given land conquered, cleaned up and cleared of all bad influences by the fighting men of Israel.

Seven tribes were given parcels of land still containing inhabitants, influences and infectious idolatry, to claim for themselves.

I don't guess I'd ever noticed.

Or didn't care.

Or hadn't been ready to realize what He's showing me before now--which is this.

Some of our battles can be fought with Christian brothers and sisters at our sides. They can link arms with us and go into the heaviest battles. They can feel the pain of the enemy's attacks as surely as we can. They can walk, step for step, every mile of the trudging journey.

And some of our battles, though covered in the prayer of others, must be fought on our own.

Some possessions require sweat equity--our own personal sweat equity.

It's not that godly men and women wouldn't help us in any way they could, it's just that in some instances, no one can take possession of unconquered territory but the one who will inhabit it.

Maybe you are fighting that battle right now. Folks from your church are cheering you on from the sidelines. You're being told they are holding you up in prayer. Their encouragement pours in via mail, text messages, pats on the back and smiles...but they aren't in the battle over this 'section of land' God has promised ONLY to you.

Keep fighting.

Do not give up or give in.

Trust that what He has promised is worth every ounce of yourself you could ever give!

You'll be so glad you did when you are finally able to firmly place your stake in the dirt of this new territory.