You Can, but Will You?
Caleb did not have any trouble killing the giants, taking his part of the hill country, and driving out the people. However, the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh came to Joshua with excuses for why they could not take the hill country they were allotted as part of their inheritance. What was the difference? Caleb looked at the Lord, instead of looking at his enemies. The family of Joseph looked at the problems, instead of looking at the Lord. (Joshua 17:17,18) Which way do you look at life's problems and challenges? Your viewpoint and faith make all of the difference in the world.
The hill country was covered with forests. Joseph's descendants would have to clear the land, so that it would be suitable for planting their crops. It would take a lot of work, but the results would be very profitable for them and their families for years to come. God is looking to see if we are willing to discipline ourselves and put in the work it takes to overcome obstacles. He will give us the wisdom and strength to do it, but we have to decide to obey. Then, when it comes to overcoming our enemies, we have to trust in God's power, not our own. If we look at the strength of what has us in bondage, we will fail. Whether it is drugs, alcohol, pornography, gambling, or any other oppressor, they all are tools of Satan to keep us from doing God's will. We have to ask God to deliver us and to rely on Him for the victory. If we will do that and put in the work, there is nothing that we can't do, if it is God's will for our lives. So, that is why I say, "You can, but will you?" It is up to you.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Joshua 18-20.
The hill country was covered with forests. Joseph's descendants would have to clear the land, so that it would be suitable for planting their crops. It would take a lot of work, but the results would be very profitable for them and their families for years to come. God is looking to see if we are willing to discipline ourselves and put in the work it takes to overcome obstacles. He will give us the wisdom and strength to do it, but we have to decide to obey. Then, when it comes to overcoming our enemies, we have to trust in God's power, not our own. If we look at the strength of what has us in bondage, we will fail. Whether it is drugs, alcohol, pornography, gambling, or any other oppressor, they all are tools of Satan to keep us from doing God's will. We have to ask God to deliver us and to rely on Him for the victory. If we will do that and put in the work, there is nothing that we can't do, if it is God's will for our lives. So, that is why I say, "You can, but will you?" It is up to you.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Joshua 18-20.