What steps can we take to "possess the land" in our own lives? Entering the Promise: Deuteronomy 1:8 “See, I have placed the land before you. Go in and possess the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and to their descendants after them.” Recognize the Gift Already Given • God’s promise precedes our action—“I have placed the land before you.” • Our “land” can be any territory He has assigned: a calling, a ministry, a relationship, a victory over sin (cf. Joshua 1:3). Step 1 " Receive the Promise by Faith • Faith is the doorway—Israel had to believe the land was truly theirs (Hebrews 4:2). • Write down the specific promise from Scripture that applies to your situation (2 Peter 1:4). • Speak it aloud; faith comes by hearing the Word (Romans 10:17). Step 2 " Prepare Your Heart through Obedience • Immediate obedience keeps the door open—“Now therefore arise…go in” (Joshua 1:2). • Clear out hidden sin; disobedience stalled Israel at Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 14:22-23). • Daily surrender invites God’s empowerment (John 14:21). Step 3 " Advance with Courage • “Be strong and courageous” is repeated three times to Joshua (Joshua 1:6-9). • Courage is not the absence of fear but choosing obedience despite it (Psalm 56:3-4). • Act on the next right step; momentum grows faith. Step 4 " Immerse Yourself in the Word • God commanded, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth” (Joshua 1:8). • Meditate—ponder, mutter, memorize. • Align decisions, speech, and attitudes with Scripture; that alignment releases success. Step 5 " Rely on God’s Presence • “The LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). • Practice continual awareness—invite Him into meetings, chores, conversations. • Worship shifts focus from obstacles to His sufficiency (Psalm 22:3). Step 6 " Engage in Spiritual Warfare • Israel still fought battles though the land was promised (Joshua 6). • Put on the whole armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:10-18). • Resist the enemy with spoken Scripture, just as Jesus did (Matthew 4:1-11). Step 7 " Persevere until Full Possession • Some tribes quit and left Canaan unconquered (Joshua 13:1). • Keep pushing boundaries—do not settle for partial victory (Philippians 3:13-14). • Celebrate milestones; testimony fuels further conquest (Revelation 12:11). Living the Land Today • Identify your “land.” • Apply these steps sequentially, yet continually. • Expect God’s faithfulness; His promises are “Yes” and “Amen” in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). |
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