Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Stretch out the spear that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” And Joshua stretched out the spear that was in his hand toward the city. So those in ambush arose quickly out of their place; they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand, and they entered the city and took it, and hurried to set the city on fire. – Joshua 8:18-19
REFERENCE
Joshua 8:1-8 & 18-19
Joshua was a warrior leader who never slacked when it came to going after God’s promises; immediately God gave the word or command, he hastened to go make it happen. When God promised the Israelites the city of Ai, as their leader Joshua was again at the forefront to ensure that they took the city. It didn’t matter to him that the inhabitants of Ai would pose an opposition against them, all that mattered was God’s command (word). Indeed Joshua and his men went in and took the city because it was a promise God made to them. With such boldness of faith, it is not surprising to see all the great feats Joshua accomplished as Israel’s leader.
The Word of God (Old or New Testament) holds several promises God made to us; they are ours by virtue of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. However, the devil, seeing that he cannot make those promises of no effect in our lives, tries to attack our ‘belief’ in order that we might cede some grounds to him. So, he comes with his tricks, throwing arrows of doubts at us. The plan is to get us to change our confession of faith in Gods promises, to that of unbelief and negativity. When this happens, our negative words become his greatest tool against us. Also, he barrages us with discouraging thoughts just so we can give up on the promises of God, throw in the towel, and not get to the end of our faith, and consequently not receive the promise.
If you have been succumbing to the subtle tricks of the devil in times past, now is the time to rise up and stretch forth to receive what is yours. To stretch means to extend something to its maximum point. Therefore, extend your faith further because it has the capacity to carry you to the finish line. Refuse to be pushed back, strengthen your trust in the Lord and in His promises to you, don’t be shaken when you see contrary evidence, and stand boldly in faith till you get to the end of your faith.
God’s desire is for you to walk boldly and bravely knowing that He is for you and because He is for you, nothing or no one can be against you. He will surely give you victory over every situation you face; besides, the devil is under your feet and you can trample upon him.
Never be sloppy and slack concerning a promised inheritance to you. Stretch out your hands towards it in faith and claim it, you will experience overwhelming victory as you do, in Jesus’ name.
SCRIPTURE PHOTO
ADDITIONAL STUDY
Joshua 21:43-45, Galatians 3:26-29, & Romans 8:31-34.
PRAYER
Father I thank You that I walk in my Christ given victory; I will not be shaken, neither will I be cowed by the adversary. Today, I stretch my hands in faith to receive every promised inheritance you have given me in Jesus’ name.
