Stand Up And Fight!

30. March 2010 by Annette Colon-Alvarenga.

So 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 fathers, has given you? Joshua 18:3.

In the prior chapter (Ch. 17) we read how the house of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, went to Joshua stating that they were a “great people” and therefore had not been provided enough land. God had promised victory to them to possess all of the land promised to them, which in reality would have been enough, had they followed through in driving out all of the Canaanites. Instead of proclaiming their victory and doing what needed to be done – they did not drive out the Canaanites – they went to Joshua to complain: the land we have just isn’t enough; we need two lots instead of the one you gave us; the Canaanites are just too tough to drive out of the land; they have chariots of iron. Complain, complain, complain.

I peeked into my journal late last night. The scripture cited above was the last entry I made – in January. Yes, it’s been a little while since the last time I wrote in my journal. Which would mean that it’s been a little while since I’ve followed my Bible-in-a-year reading plan. Of course that would also mean that I haven’t been reading God’s Word on a daily basis. The consequence of which is that I have been struggling a bit more spiritually. Which has resulted in my inability to deal “wisely” with certain matters that have come up recently. My reactions and emotional responses have been a little . . . how should I put it . . . all over the map. And, yes, I have gone to God grumbling and complaining about not being where I should be spiritually, emotionally, financially, physically, etc.: Why this? Why that? It’s just not enough! When are things going to change?

I’ve read through the Old Testament time and again and thought to myself, “these are God’s chosen people; He tells them exactly what to do and what not to do; why can’t they get it right?” They were given every incredible promise for living a victorious life. God didn’t only have their backs, He always went ahead of them. Their victories were determined before they ever stepped foot on the battle ground. But there was always that condition: that they actually step onto the battle field and fight. Otherwise, like the people of Ephraim and Manasseh in the book of Joshua, they could not enter into God’s promises.

It is no different for us as Christians. We proclaim to be God’s children (”a great people”). We proclaim to have every spiritual blessing as His children. We say “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Yet, when things start to get a little out of hand for (some of) us, when matters require that we armor up and step onto the battle field and fight, it’s easier (for some of us) to step back and make excuses for not doing what we need to do. C’mon now. I know I’m not the only one.

Matthew Henry states in his commentary in regard to the predicament of the tribesmen in Chapter 17: “Most people’s poverty is the effect of their idleness; would they dig, they need not beg.” God calls us to grab hold of the promises contained is His Word for us. Our victory is assured through Christ Jesus. But that requires that we take action; that we be diligent. God gives us the perfect recipe for possessing the promises: We are instructed not to depart from His Word; we are told to put on the whole armor; we are to pray without ceasing; we are to renew our minds continuously; we are to hold onto to our faith and trust in God in all circumstances; we are to be holy. Yes, there is much more, but I think this is enough to make my point. In whatever area of our lives we may be feeling seemingly impoverished, we need to do what He has instructed us to do. I earnestly believe . . . no, I know, that God will fulfill each and every one of His promises, but I must step onto the battle field and fight. I cannot continue to step back and make excuses for what’s lacking; I have to dig and dig deep, especially when I don’t feel it or when it gets uncomfortable. For me personally, that starts with getting back into His Word daily and journaling. How long will you wait?

⁴³ So the LORD gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. ⁴⁴ The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD handed all their enemies over to them. ⁴⁵ Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. Joshua 21:43-45.

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