Joshua 18:3 So Joshua said to the Israelites: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?

Everything we have comes from God, but sometime, as in the case of the Israelites and the promised land, we have to be active in appropriating what God has provided. The balance between God’s part and our part can be hard to discern at times, but a passive sense of entitlement is very dangerous. This is what the US government has generated in many people today, and it’s threatening to tear the nation apart. The problem with being aggressive in going after things is that we so often mistake what we really need, and so go ofter the wrong things. The other problem is that we tend to get proud and think we can get those things in our own strength, rather than recognizing that we don’t deserve them, but that God will enable us to get them if we will submit to Him. There is hardly a sadder song, in the final analysis, than “My Way,” as sung by Frank Sinatra. It certainly fit his lifestyle, but it proclaims an attitude of ignoring God that is absolutely destructive. Waiting on God is not at all the same thing as laziness. The people Joshua was berating just didn’t want to make the effort involved in taking hold of what God has said He was giving them. That certainly isn’t the path to growth and blessing! We do the same thing in relation to our spiritual heritage, choosing not to take the time in devotions, for example, that would lead to closeness to God through the day. The point is in being active in our pursuit of God’s kingdom and His righteousness. When we will do that, there is no limit to what God will pour out on us.

I have tended far more toward being lazy than I like to think about. I do have a solid habit of personal devotions, but I’m not aggressive in making time for evangelism. I want God to pour His Spirit out on this church, yet I don’t take time in prayer and fasting toward that end. I know that God has promised marvelous things for this church and this city, yet I’m not active in seeking how I can cooperate with that. I need to surrender my time and energy to God more actively, so that I may move into all He intends and has prepared for me, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this Word this morning. Help me not just say, Oh that was nice, and then forget it! Help me be fully active in laying hold of all that You intend for me and for this church, so that many may be brought into Your kingdom and Your plans fulfilled, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!