The Challenge of Inheritance: Living Out God's Promises

# The Challenge of Inheritance: Living Out God's Promises

The book of Joshua takes a dramatic turn after its opening chapters. Gone are the epic battles—the walls of Jericho crumbling, the ambush at Ai, the miraculous crossing of the Jordan. Instead, we encounter something that might seem mundane at first glance: the distribution of land among the tribes of Israel.

Yet within these seemingly administrative chapters lies profound spiritual truth about how we live out God's promises in our own lives.

## Drive Out What Hinders You

The Israelites faced a critical command: completely drive out the Canaanites from the land. God's instruction through Moses was clear—leave nothing that could lead them into idolatry and sin. Yet repeatedly, we read that various tribes failed to obey. They subdued the inhabitants, made them forced laborers, but didn't completely remove them.

The reasoning seemed practical: "We can control this. We'll just make them work for us." But God's wisdom went deeper. He knew that what we think we can control often ends up controlling us.

This pattern mirrors our own spiritual battles. We face strongholds—patterns of thought, relationships, habits, desires—that God calls us to surrender completely to Christ. Instead, we negotiate. We think we can manage them, keep them in check, use them for our purposes without letting them harm us.

But partial obedience is still disobedience.

The call is clear: take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Renew your mind. Don't give space to anything that could draw you away from wholehearted devotion to God. This isn't about perfection—it's about recognizing our weaknesses and inviting God's power to fight battles we cannot win on our own.

Sometimes this means finding accountability. Men need godly men in their lives. Women need godly women. We all need people who will ask the hard questions: How's your walk with Jesus? Are you loving your spouse well? Where are you struggling?

Victory comes not through our strength, but through surrendering to the Warrior King who fights for us.

## The Danger of Delay

"How long will you delay going out to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, gave you?"

Joshua's question to the remaining seven tribes cuts to the heart of a common spiritual malady: procrastination in obedience. The battles had been fought. The land was subdued. God had fulfilled His part. Yet the tribes hesitated to step into what God had already provided.

Seven years of conquest had passed, and still they waited.

How often do we do the same? God speaks clearly about a step of faith, a change we need to make, a person we need to reach out to, a dream He's placed in our hearts—and we delay. We say "someday" instead of "today."

When God says wait, we should wait. But when God says go, we must go—even when we don't know how it will all work out. Faith isn't about having all the answers; it's about trusting the One who does.

## Responding to Conflict with Courage

The descendants of Joseph came to Joshua with an entitled attitude: "We're numerous and blessed—we deserve more land!" When Joshua told them to clear the forest and take the hill country, they complained about iron chariots and strong enemies.

Joshua's response was brilliant: "You just told me you have many people and great strength. Go do it. Don't be afraid."

As leaders—whether in business, ministry, or family—we'll face conflict. We can shrink from it or address it with wisdom and courage. Joshua didn't give in to complaints or fear. He challenged his people to believe what they claimed to believe and to act accordingly.

Fear is the enemy of growth. How many times has God called us to something, and we've responded with excuses? "I'm an introvert." "I don't have that gift." "I'm not qualified."

The truth is, God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called. If God can use ordinary people throughout history, He can use you. The question isn't about your ability—it's about your availability and willingness to trust Him.

## When Things Slip Out of Control

The tribe of Dan offers an encouraging example. When their territory slipped out of their control, they didn't give up. They went up and fought again.

Life doesn't always go according to plan. Sometimes we experience setbacks, failures, or disappointments that make us wonder if we missed God's will. We're tempted to quit, to accept defeat, to assume the door has closed permanently.

But Dan reminds us: just because something slips out of your control doesn't mean God's plan has changed. Get back up. Keep fighting. The Warrior King is still with you.

Maybe you've had a dream that seemed to die. Perhaps you tried something for God and it didn't work out the way you hoped. Don't let that be the end of the story. God isn't finished with you yet.

## Leaders Who Put Others First

Throughout the distribution of land, Joshua waited. He didn't claim his inheritance first, leveraging his position for personal gain. Only after every tribe received their portion did Joshua accept his own land.

True leadership serves others first. It doesn't demand privilege or priority. It sacrifices personal comfort for the good of those being led.

This principle extends beyond formal leadership roles. In our families, friendships, and communities, we're all called to consider others more important than ourselves—to follow the example of Christ, who gave everything for us.

## Our Refuge and Hope

The cities of refuge established throughout the land served a specific legal purpose, but they also point to a greater truth: we all need refuge from the consequences of our guilt.

Unlike those who fled to the cities of refuge claiming innocence in accidental death, we come to Christ fully guilty. There's no case to be made for our innocence. We've all sinned and fallen short of God's glory.

Yet Jesus becomes our refuge. He bore the wrath we deserved on the cross. He paid the debt we could never pay. In Him, we find not just temporary protection, but eternal security—an anchor for our souls, firm and secure.

## God Keeps His Promises

The closing verses of this section of Joshua declare a powerful truth: "None of the good promises the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed. Everything was fulfilled."

God gave them rest on every side. He handed over their enemies. He fulfilled every promise made to Abraham centuries earlier.

This same God keeps His promises to you. What He has spoken, He will accomplish. When doubts creep in, when circumstances look impossible, when the wait feels too long—remember: God is faithful.

He is the God of victory. He is the One who brings rest. He keeps His promises.

The land has been distributed. The inheritance secured. Now the question remains: Will we live in the fullness of what God has provided, or will we delay, compromise, and settle for less than His best?

The choice is ours.