READING: Joshua 19-22
Well . . . More land. More territories. More names. More inheritances. More cities. And then this powerful summary statement at the end of Joshua 21: “So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” (Joshua 21:43-44)
By now, you should be readily seeing in these verses some of the patterns we’ve observed throughout this book. Look at the verses again, and take note of these truths:
- It was the Lord who gave the land to the Hebrews.
- They had to take possession of it in obedience, but the battle was God’s — not theirs.
- By giving them the land, God was faithful to His Word. He always is.
- None of the enemies could withstand the people of God. Not one.
- The stories echoes with war, but victory sounds even more loudly. The Lord gave the land. The Lord gave the enemies into their hands. All this He did because He keeps His promises.
Nothing’s changed for us today. God is still God. He still keeps His Word. He’s still our warrior. He’s already defeated the enemy.
The cries of victory ought to resound from our lips today. Praise Him!
ACTION STEPS: Consider these steps:
- Do a Google search on the promises of God, and read some of them throughout the day.
- Even if you’re hurting today, thank God that He’s the victor.
- Take five minutes and write a summary statement of God’s grace to you through the years. Then send it to somebody to encourage him or her.
PRAYER: “You are so faithful to Your Word, God. I praise You for being the victor!”
TOMORROW’S READING: Joshua 23-24