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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I praise you today for your faithfulness. Caleb said, “I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me” (Josh 14:11). What a testament to your ability to bless and prosper me no matter how old I am! You told Israel, “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isa 46:4 NIV). Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the division of Canaan at Gilgal. Joshua’s military campaigns had broken the backbone of the enemy, and the land was now firmly under Israel’s control. But Joshua did not conquer every city. You deliberately left pockets of resistance in order to test the commitment and resolve of the people. Caleb rose to this challenge and asked Joshua for the hill country of the Anakim, the giants who had frightened the people so many years ago. This teaches me that you are able to preserve those who are faithful to you, and although there may be delays, your plans for me cannot be thwarted. You had commanded that the land be divided into sections that corresponded to the size of each tribe (Num 33:54). Judah was the largest single tribe (Num 26:22), and so it was the first to receive its allotted territory. Joseph, the combination of Ephraim and the half-tribe of Manasseh, received its land next. They were upset when they were given only one lot for their inheritance, and they complained to Joshua. Joshua, however, wisely discerned the real issue: the sons of Joseph were lazy and fearful. Their territory included a large forest in the hill country, but they didn’t want to clear it and defeat the fearsome Rephaites who lived there. Their territory also included the valley land, but they feared the iron chariots of the Canaanites. Joshua challenged them to clear the forest and drive out the Canaanites. This teaches me that your will for my life will contain obstacles. They are intended to refine my character and force me to trust you. I need to roll up my sleeves and get to work! Reflection The Israelites were afraid to possess their territories on their own without Joshua’s leadership (cf. Josh 18:3). Do I tend to rely on the faith of others, or am I willing to step out on my own and trust you? Request Father, help me to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Give me the grace I need to “stand against the schemes of the devil” (Eph 6:10–11). Thanksgiving Thank you for your promise to “never leave me or forsake me” (Heb 13:5). I can conquer the giants in my life through the strength and power of your Son, Jesus Christ! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Am I a Soldier of the Cross?” by Isaac Watts. Meditation Verse: Joshua 14:12. |