Read: Joshua 16-18
Focus Verse: “Joshua said to the Israelites: ‘How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given you?” (Jos 18:3).
Devotion: The land is already theirs. The wars are done, the battles stopped, and the people can take the land whenever, yet they hesitate. Why? Maybe they were nervous, too cautious, or in disbelief? Perhaps. Regardless, even once they got to the precipice, they hesitated. When we are in the same position do we do the same? There was a time in my life when I had been asking God for a sign, or a way out, and and then God presented me with exactly that. When I stopped to consider if I would follow I realized I was hesitating to follow. I had to ask myself, why do I hesitate to take what the LORD has prepared for me? Sometimes it feels like the paths before us are not super clear. Sometimes we hesitate because we’re waiting to see if it really is what the LORD wants for us. But my hesitation was more a disbelief that the LORD really would deliver me in this way. I think that’s where Israel is here, they are in disbelief that the promised land would actually be theirs to take. When the Lord gives you a way out, when the Lord is working to deliver you, don’t hesitate because you don’t think yourself worthy to take what God has promised.
Pray: LORD, help me discern. Clarify which path is what YOU have prepared for me, and I will go. Amen!
Additional Scripture: “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you.” (Deut 31:8)