How can we ensure we claim God's promises in our lives today? Opening Snapshot: Israel’s Unclaimed Land “Yet seven tribes remained among the Israelites who had not yet received their inheritance.” – Joshua 18:2 Israel was standing in Canaan, promises fulfilled all around them, and still seven tribes dragged their feet. God had sworn the land was theirs, but it would remain unpossessed until they stepped out and took it. Their hesitation offers a mirror for us: every promise of God is sure, but it must be claimed. Recognize the Promises Still on the Table • God’s Word is packed with specific, covenant-backed commitments—salvation (Romans 10:13), peace (Philippians 4:6-7), wisdom (James 1:5), provision (Philippians 4:19), victory over temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). • Like Israel’s tribes, many believers know of the promises yet live short of them. Don’t settle for partial inheritance. Believe the Promise-Giver • “By these He has given us His very great and precious promises…” – 2 Peter 1:4 • Faith is not vague optimism; it is confident reliance on the God who cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). • Meditate on what God has said until doubt loses its voice (Romans 10:17). Get Up and Walk the Land • Joshua sent men to “go and survey the land” (Joshua 18:4). They had to physically step through territory that was theirs on paper. • Practical obedience is our “surveying.” Stand on the promise: speak it, pray it, rearrange your calendar, habits, and relationships around it (James 1:22). • Trust without action is unfinished faith (Hebrews 11 entire chapter models this). Refuse Spiritual Complacency • “Since the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short.” – Hebrews 4:1 • Passivity kept seven tribes wandering in circles. Today, lethargy shows up as excuses, procrastination, or endless planning without movement. • Ask the Spirit to expose comfort zones that masquerade as wisdom. Obey Each Detail • Israel’s survey teams returned; Joshua “cast lots” before the LORD (Joshua 18:8-10). The procedure honored God’s order. • Promises are not licenses to ignore His commands. Forgive as commanded; give as instructed; flee sin as warned (Psalm 66:18; Luke 6:38; 2 Timothy 2:22). • Holiness keeps the channel clear for blessing. Keep the Map in Front of You • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105 • Daily Scripture keeps borders clear—where the promise begins, where compromise lurks. Mark verses in a journal, place them where eyes land often. Guard the Territory Won • After dividing Canaan, Joshua warned the tribes not to mingle with the nations remaining (Joshua 23:12-13). • Guard progress through ongoing fellowship, accountability, and repentance (1 Peter 2:11; 1 John 1:9). What is gained by faith can be enjoyed only by continued faithfulness. Jesus, the Yes to Every Promise • “For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through Him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:20 • Every inheritance scene in Joshua points ahead to the finished work of Jesus. Because He secured the covenant, we claim each promise from a position of victory. Living It Out Today 1. List one promise you’ve left unclaimed. 2. Find its scriptural address; memorize it. 3. Take one concrete step that aligns your life with that promise before nightfall. 4. Thank God aloud for keeping His word, reinforcing trust that He will finish what He started (Philippians 1:6). The land is before you. Step in and take possession. |
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