READING: Joshua 18:1-19:48
I want to be a man of faith, but I confess that I far too often linger when taking steps of faith. Sometimes I want more clarity about God’s will and His plan. At other times, I’m willing to take a small step of faith as long as I still have a fallback position. I can be so cautious about taking the next steps that I’m sure I’ve missed some opportunity because I didn’t act as quickly as I should have. I don’t doubt I would have sometimes benefitted from a spiritual leader who told me, “Get your act together and press on!”
Apparently, the seven tribes of Israel who had not yet divided up the land God gave them needed someone to say the same. For some reason, they had not taken their inheritance—and Moses’ words to them were clear: “How long will you delay going out to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, gave you?” (Josh 18:3). Perhaps fear had captured them. Maybe they were lazy or ungrateful. It’s also possible they were simply comfortable with their nomad life. Whatever the reason, they had failed to that point to claim what the God of their ancestors had already given them.
Based on this word, I am evaluating today whether God has called me to do something, but I’ve delayed taking the next steps I know I need to take. I don’t know anything at this point, but I recognize I can deceive myself if I reach the conclusion on my own. I want God’s Spirit to show me if I’m missing what God already has for me.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Is there anything you need to do for the Lord, but you’re delaying your response?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “Father, I don’t want to miss anything You have for me. Help me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Joshua 19:49-21:45, 1 Chronicles 6:54-81