Giants. Walled cities. Iron chariots. It had to be somewhat intimidating to the Israelites as they moved in to redeem the land that God gave them. Most of us have a few hurdles in life that we have to clear. But these were downright barriers. It'd be like me trying to go one-on-one with Kobe Bryant. The only way I beat him is if he breaks both legs and has a heart attack as he steps onto the court. The odds aren't in my favor.
The first time the Israelites faced the challenge, they cowered and walked away. In fact they walked for another 38 years and never received their promise. This time was a different story. The Children of Israel had already seen how God took down several armies and how the walls of Jericho fell without them raising a sword. But as the allotment of the new land fell to each tribe, they were responsible for driving out the inhabitants.
The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (really the tribe of Joseph) needed more territory because of their numbers. Because of Joseph's faith, Ephraim and Manasseh were given more than one allotment of land. They were having a little trouble with their portion and were afraid of the Canaanites living in the plains because they had iron chariots. Horses, iron chariots, in other words Kobe Bryant. They didn't figure they had a chance of defeating the Canaanites. So they started whining and complaining to Joshua. "You give us land but then we have to deal the Canaanites who are really tough."
Conquering new territory even with God in our life can be daunting. You know God's promises and power, but getting in there and doing spiritual battle is a little intimidating. We claim to have faith and say we trust God, but then we look at our measly abilities and think, "There is just no way." A lot of people don't experience victory in their spiritual life or life period simply because they are looking too much at their own skill set. Either they try to handle things in their own pride or they give up because they recognize their incompetence or inadequacies.
Joshua told the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, "Yep, the Canaanites have iron chariots and are strong. But the land is yours, so go get it if you need more room." Faith is a funny thing. Seems to me we have it in doses. But the only way it really grows is when we act on it. If I truly believe that God can do anything, then I have to prove that for myself. The more I see the hand at God at work, the more I'm willing to tackle what seems impossible in my eyes.
Let's be honest, we have to face a lot of iron chariots in life. Finances, relationships, temptations, tasks, health issues sometimes seem overwhelming. Charging ahead without contemplation, prayer, and seeking God is not very bright. We're likely to get what I call the "Ai Effect." That's where we get our butts kicked. Ai was the city the Israelites attacked after Jericho, without consulting God. Not a good result. But sitting around moping, whining, complaining, walking away is just as devastating. We end up defeated and depressed and resigned to mediocrity because we're unwilling to believe God will give us the victory.
God, sometimes I have incredible faith and sometimes I have puny faith. I've seen you work in my life and the lives of others. I've seen you do great things. Why do I lose sight of your power sometimes and focus on iron chariots? Encourage me through your spirit to face those challenges with faith, to trust in you and not me. Lord, forgive me for my whining, complaining and woefully excuses. Give me the victory through your power so I can give you the glory.
No comments:
Post a Comment