I read in Joshua 17-18 today, “Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities, but the Canaanites were determined to dwell in that land. And it happened, when Israel grew strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not utterly drive them out.” (17:12-13) “Then Joshua said to the children of Israel,
‘How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers has given you?’” (Joshua 18:3)
There was once a television commercial of an office supply company that had an “easy” button for all their services. Oh, how many times I have wished I had an easy button to solve many a frustration. Sometimes even after trying hard without success, I have thrown my hands up and said, “Fine! I’ll just live with it!” This is just what the children of Manasseh did–they learned to live with their frustrations–allowing their enemies to dwell with them in their inheritance.
But that is not what God wants for us. He has great plans and promises for us, but they are not handed to us on a platter. They come with perseverance and determination. Don’t be tempted to settle for less than God’s best for you. And don’t let the enemy steal your joy or have even a toehold in your inheritance. If you are faithful to pursue what is rightfully promised to you by God, you will find a great reward that will be worth so much more than all the trouble you went through to receive it.
Have you been discouraged in your work or spiritual service? Are you tired of constantly struggling with the same old problems? Do you feel like you have spent a lot of effort and energy in living for God but don’t have much to show for it yet? You are not alone. God knows where you are. He understands what you have been going through.
God’s promises are “Yes!” and “Amen!” So go out and claim them in Jesus’ name! It may not be an easy accomplishment; you may have to fight a real battle with a real enemy to get the victory. The devil is very determined to dwell with you in your circumstances. He will be hard to drive out completely. But you can’t give up. Don’t stop praying for what you are believing God for. Don’t sit down; keep moving forward. No matter how hard it is or how much it costs, your efforts will not be in vain. The Lord will not leave you to flounder on your own. He will come alongside you and give you the strength to overcome. And the reward in the end will be worth it all–your eternal inheritance is awaiting you.