17But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—"You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment
18but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out."
- P71
Ephraim and Manasseh feel that their allotted land is too small for the numerous population. Joshua suggests that they go into the forest and clear the land there, but the additional territory is already occupied by stronger people with superior chariots. The situation is certainly a challenge, but it is also an opportunity. - P72
Growth and increase are possible, but it requires courage, determination, and trust that God is with His people. This perspective applies to us today. Whenever we seek to grow in faith, influence, or blessing, we can face seemingly insurmountable challenges. - P72
However, if we focus on the Lord rather than our fears, we can walk the difficult path to growth because we are walking with Him. - P72
When Ephraim and Manasseh doubt their ability to capture the land, Joshua reminds them of their strength and numbers. He affirms their potentialand assures them that they can clear the forested hill country and face theCanaanites, even with their iron chariots. Joshua tells the tribes that, if theystep out in faith, they will reach the farthest limits of the land d‘and be able todrive out even the strongest opposition. - P72
In our own spiritual journeys, Godoften calls us not only to believe in His promises but also to act courageous-ly, tackling the work before us. God has already equipped us, butstep out in faith and do the work that He has entrusted to us. - P72
"When Christ gives us a particular calling to fulfill, he emphatically does not promisethat it will come easy. In fact, it is often precisely the opposite. Difficult obstaclesemerge to confirm the genuineness of our calling." - David Mathis - P72
There maybe times when we feel dissatisfied with what we have receivedfrom God. We may have different preferences and desires, but we shouldnot be ungrateful or fail to ask God how He wants us to use what He hasprovided. God does not want us to be spiritually stagnant and lazy withwhat He has given. Thus, when we ask for more, it sometimes requires us towork harder. We may even be challenged to do something far more difficultthan we thought possible.
- P73
When we receive from the Lord, , we should remember that He alwaysknows exactly how much we need. We should be grateful for what He hasprovided and know how to make the best use of it. However, if we seekmore from the Lord, we should also be ready for whatever difficulties maycome with our requests. We should see these moments as opportunities toincrease our faith, remembering we can overcome any challenge that Hehas deemed possible for us. - P73
Lord, I confess that challenges often intimidate me and make me hesitant to move forward. Strengthen my faith so that my desire for growth in You is greater than my fear of opposition. - P73
Help me to trust Your power above all. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P73
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