Paul had before made mention of the Christian journey being a race which we run to gain a prize. No one stops during a race to celebrate getting through the first half, as they know that they have to complete the full race in order to get the prize. “and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1 ). I believe that it is useful for us to pause to celebrate major accomplishments. There is a need to pause to reflect after overcoming a major hurdle. In so doing, we can note the lessons learnt and understand what helped us to gain the victory. That way we gain valuable insight for the next challenge or difficulty.
Life will continue to present challenges and the aim is for us to develop greater strength and resilience so that the challenge of today will not be a major issue in the next year. Learning and growing means that we develop greater maturity to navigate seasons of difficulty. Sometimes we experience major difficulties and we seek God and things start to feel better. We have to continue in order for God to complete the work of restoration. We cannot become complacent because we have gained a small territory. Our aim is for complete advancement in order to fulfil our God given assignment.
In Joshua 18, we see Joshua becoming frustrated at the seven tribes of Israel who had not yet received their inheritance. “And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you” (Joshua 18:3)? The land had already been delegated to them by the Lord. Joshua and Caleb had successfully led the people into victory and driven out the inhabitants. Why then did the people wait before claiming the land? Complacency would have been the reason for their delay.
The things that we need to accomplish here on earth are not solely based on our desire to meet our own needs. God wants to bless us so that we can be a blessing to others. God wants us to have more than enough to give. He wants us to have enough to lend and not borrow. He wants us to lay hold of the blessings in his covenant to Abraham as the creation waits with eager anticipation for the manifested sons of God.
A.P.-Y.
Devotional Inspirations 