God Wins Our Battles [Josh 13]

¹Now Joshua was old and advanced in years when the LORD said to him, "You are old and advanced in years, and very much of the land remains to be possessed.

Joshua and the warriors did not give up the fight for 40 years (see chapter 14). As the men followed God, they conquered region after region of the land God promised them. And finally, the land was divided up and given to the various families even as there was more land that needed to be overtaken. They divided the land as God had instructed Moses 40 years earlier!!! These people were tenacious, focused, courageous, strong in resolve and clinging to God through it all and did exactly as He instructed them! They demonstrated trust in their God to the point that they were willing to leave their families time after time and risk their lives to obey Him for all of those years.

The word 'fight' is used over 100 times in the Bible. Paul used that word on several occasions in relation to the Christian walk and to his life on earth. These are words he wrote to Timothy as he encouraged him to take on the fight:

2 Timothy 4

⁶For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.

 ⁷I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;

 ⁸in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Today, I realize once again that I am in a battle that God challenges me to fight. I have a choice whether I will or not. It is God's battle and I get to participate with Him if I am willing. It is the good fight of faith in our beloved Jesus and in God the Father. Paul was determined to win that battle during his lifetime and he relentlessly encouraged others to enter into this fight and earn the reward that is promised. The fight is not a short term deal, but a lifetime of clinging to God and standing firm in His truth, in His strength, even when I feel like running away in fear. Paul knew that he could not do this in his own way and strength. He pursued God and let God be His guide and strength every step of the way.

We praise You, God, for making it clear that our lives are going to be a long series of battles... not against flesh and blood, but against ungodly thoughts. Every day, You are there to direct and empower each of us who are willing to keep standing firm in You to win these battles and win the prize. Cause us to keep on committing ourselves to You and the fight that you have for us each day. Keep us clinging to You for wisdom and strength through it all. We can't, but You can!!!