In Pursuit of God’s Promise
Not a single one of all the good promises [T]he Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything [He] had spoken came true.”
Joshua 21:43-45 NLT
Last week I finished reading Joshua, one of my favorite Old Testament books. I love this inspiring narrative and I glean something new every time I read it. This is one of the things I treasure most about the Bible. You see, although the stories it contains are from ancient history, they continue to speak to and teach us today.
What I found to be most significant in my recent study of Joshua was the fact that:
The Promised Land required possessing—meaning the Israelites had a responsibility in acquiring their promise.
And further…
The Promised Land was not without problems—primarily in the form of enemies and giants, but none the less, problems!
For this reason, God charged Joshua to lead the Israelites, yet not in pursuit of another land, a problem-free land, but instead, in pursuit of God’s promise—Canaan, the land God had promised to His people—a land of their own.
Why the Promise Required Possessing
Pesky enemies and scary giants did not require God to create a Plan B for the Israelites to possess the Promised Land. No, instead this was right in line with God’s greater purpose for the Israelites. You see, God’s plan from the beginning was for His people to respond to His promises by faith. God had already promised the land of Canaan to His people; this was a given! Yet, in order for God’s people to obtain this land, they would need to actively pursue it. And this required faith, yet not in themselves, their strength or their effort, but rather in their God.
Why the Promise Included Problems
Additionally, the “problems” in the Promised Land were also right in line with God’s plan. Yet, not for the purposes of frustrating, discouraging or confusing His people, but rather for training and strengthening them. The truth is, God never said the land was without problems. In fact, he had already told them the land was, “the home of [many “ites”, such as] the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites” (Exodus 3:8 NLT).
Yet, He also was clear in saying the land was good, bountiful, fruitful, spacious, flowing with milk and honey. God’s desire was that His people would understand His promises were far greater than any perceived problems and were therefore worth pursuing.
For Us Today
The Bible tells us all (as in every single word) Scripture is God-inspired, and is therefore useful to teach, prepare, and equip His people for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16). This is why we can be assured the lessons included in Joshua’s story are for us today.
You see, much like Joshua and the Israelites, God has also made specific promises to us in His Word, confirmed by His Spirit. Yet, realizing these promises require faith and action on our part, it is the same way it did for Joshua and the Israelites.
Additionally, God never promised us a problem-free life. In fact, Jesus was clear in saying, “In this world you will have trouble”. [But He also encouraged us saying,] “take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Good News
And this is really good news. The truth is God is always faithful. He is faithful to His Word, His promises, and to us. Everything He promises always comes to pass, in His time, and in His way.
At the same time, receiving His promises requires faithful actions on our part, such as unwavering faith, consistent patience, steadfast perseverance, and continual prayer.
God’s promises are certain! Of this we can be sure. Still, the choice to actively pursue His promises by faith is one only we can make. Oh, may it be that we would each make the choice to believe God wholeheartedly, and trust fully in His promises!
Pray
Holy God, you are faithful and true. You never fail. You never lie. You never disappoint or confuse. Your Word and Your promises are good, eternal and sure. Empower me I pray with holy confidence to wait patiently and expectantly for the fulfillment of your promises to me. Amen.
Reflect
How does knowing God is always faithful to His promises encourage you as you wait on the fulfillment of His promises to you?
Encourage others with your response to this week’s question HERE!