Mar 27 (Daily reading: Joshua 16-18) In Joshua 17:14-18, Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, told Joshua that the one lot, or portion, that had been given to them as an inheritance was not enough. “(We are) a numerous people whom the LORD has blessed.” Joshua said to them, in effect: “Why do you think God has blessed you? If you are a numerous people, go up to the forest and clear a place for yourself there.” They responded to Joshua: “The Canaanites who live (there) have iron chariots.”
But Joshua said to them: “You are a numerous people and have great power; you shall not have one lot only, but the hill country shall be yours. For though it is a forest, you shall clear it, and to its farthest borders it shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, even though they have iron chariots and though they are strong.” Joshua agreed that one lot was not enough, so what should they do? He simply repeated his instructions to go and take the forest land from the Canaanites. They were to clear the land and make it theirs. Yes, the Canaanites had iron chariots, but Joshua was confident that God would give them possession of the land.
What are we to do when we face obstacles that seem too difficult for us? We may ask God to remove them, but what if He does not? Is it possible that God has allowed us to face those obstacles to prepare us for His greater work in our lives? God has blessed us and promised us His strength (Phil. 4:13). What are we to do with His blessings, with the strength He has given us? I remember Mordecai’s words to Esther. He told her that perhaps God had allowed her to become queen “for such a time as this” (Esth. 4:14). We are where we are, and we face what we face, for such a time as this! May God find us faithful!
– Al Gary
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