TAKING NEW TERRITORY

By: Dennis Harworth

Facing enormous unknown challenges for his impending time in Canaan, Joshua had to be commanded by God three times to be strong and very courageous (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9) to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land.  Nearly forty years earlier, Joshua had proclaimed that God could bring them into the land flowing with milk and honey despite overwhelming opposition (Numbers 14:6-9).  Now instead, he commands his officers to go in and possess the land (Joshua 1:11). 

This was not a small task for the slave turned soldier and then to leader of the entire nation of Israel.  But Joshua stepped boldly into his future, not relying on his own strength.  He believed God’s promise that the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9), and did as he was told, carefully obeying all the commands that the Lord have given to Moses (Joshua 11:15 NLT).  By doing so here are some of the results of his obedient faith:

1.    He led the Israelites across on dry ground at the miraculously parted Jordan River. (Joshua 3:15-17)

2.    Witnessed God’s supernatural power at Jericho where towering walls fell by trusting obedience

rather than military strength. (Joshua 6:1-20)

3.    God’s intervention at the battle of Gibeon for the sun to stand still to enable complete

victory over the enemy. (Joshua 10:12-14)

4.    Conquered thirty-one kings throughout the land of Canaan. (Joshua 12:7-24)

Joshua’s victorious conquest of Canaan gives us as believers an illustration of taking new territory in our walk with the Lord.  Although we are not called to conquer physical land, we are to wage spiritual warfare through our faith.  Just as Joshua diligently obeyed God’s commandments (Deuteronomy 28:1-2) and trusted in God’s promises; we are called to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might and put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-11).  We are to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12), for it is by our faith that we overcome the world (1 John 5:4) and we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37). 

Like Joshua, by continually advancing in faith and obedience, we will experience the miraculous – for nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).  We will witness God’s supernatural power – far over and above all that we dare ask or think; infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams (Ephesians 3:20 AMPC).  We will be amazed at God’s intervention – for nothing is too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:17).  And last, but not least, we will see victories in our personal life, marriage, family, business, and relationships – He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Therefore, let us be strong and courageous to trust God’s unfailing promises, obey His commands, and persevere in faith.  Then, with unwavering confidence, we will be successful conquerors in every area of life because we are continually TAKING NEW TERRITORY.