What practical steps ensure we "possess the land" God has promised us? Possessing the Promise: Deuteronomy 11:8 “Keep every command I am giving you today, so that you may have the strength to go in and possess the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” What “possessing the land” means today - Living in the fullness of God’s will and inheritance for us (John 10:10). - Walking in victory over sin, fear, and spiritual opposition (Romans 8:37). - Advancing His Kingdom purposes in our homes, churches, and communities (Matthew 28:18-20). Step 1 – Build strength through wholehearted obedience - Obedience is the single requirement named in Deuteronomy 11:8. - Every command, not selective ones (James 2:10). - Obedience fuels spiritual strength, just as disobedience drains it (Nehemiah 8:10). Step 2 – Feed daily on God’s Word - “Man shall not live on bread alone” (Deuteronomy 8:3). - Meditate day and night (Joshua 1:8) to think God’s thoughts, speak His words, and act in faith. - Memorize key promises that apply to your present “land.” Step 3 – Stay courageous and determined - “Be strong and very courageous” (Joshua 1:7). Courage is a choice rooted in trust that God’s promise is true. - Declare His faithfulness when circumstances intimidate (Psalm 27:1). Step 4 – Move when God says move - Israel crossed the Jordan only when the Lord commanded (Joshua 3:13-17). - Pray, listen, then take timely action—job change, ministry start, reconciliation, or any other step tied to the promise. Step 5 – Wage spiritual warfare - “The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh” (2 Corinthians 10:4). - Use truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, God’s Word, and prayer (Ephesians 6:10-18). - Drive out lingering sin patterns and demonic footholds just as Israel expelled Canaanite strongholds (Numbers 33:55). Step 6 – Guard the ground you gain - Israel was warned not to forget the Lord after settling (Deuteronomy 8:11-14). - Maintain gratitude, regular worship, and accountability to avoid backsliding (Colossians 3:15-17). - Teach the next generation so the inheritance endures (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Step 7 – Persevere until the promise is fully realized - “Through faith and patience we inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:12). - Refuse partial victories; press on until every portion is possessed (Joshua 13:1). Quick checklist for your prayer journal - Have I surrendered every known area of life to God’s commands? - What specific promise am I standing on today? - What bold action is the Lord prompting me to take next? - Am I consistently wielding the spiritual armor? - How am I protecting and cultivating the territory already gained? Apply these steps, and, like Israel, you will enter, occupy, and enjoy the “land” God has set apart for you—here and now. |
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