Scripture: “Rise, take your journey, and cross over the River Arnon. Look, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to possess it, and engage him in battle.”Deuteronomy 2:24 (NKJV)
Rest is God’s promise, but sometimes possessing what God has promised requires confronting what stands in the way. In Deuteronomy 2:24, God told Israel that He had given them the land, but He also instructed them to rise, cross over and engage Sihon in battle. This reveals an important truth: the promise of God does not eliminate the responsibility to contend for its possession. God had given them the land, but they had to rise and take it. There are seasons when you must move beyond wishing for change and take deliberate steps towards what God has prepared for you.
One of the greatest mistakes believers make is assuming that because God has promised something, there will be no resistance. But the presence of opposition does not necessarily mean the absence of God’s promise. Israel had to confront Sihon before possessing his territory. In the same way, you may have to confront fear, unbelief, disobedience, wrong habits and circumstances that hinder your progress. Some battles are not fought with weapons but with faith, prayer, obedience, discipline and perseverance. You cannot surrender to every opposition and expect to possess everything God has placed before you.
However, understand that the battle is not the destination; rest is. God did not bring Israel out of Egypt to keep them fighting forever. He was leading them towards an inheritance. Don’t become so occupied with fighting that you forget what you are fighting for. Rise, take your journey and confront whatever must be confronted, but keep your eyes on God’s purpose. Fight with faith, follow His instructions and refuse to give up. There is a place beyond the battle where you can build, establish and enjoy the fulfilment of God’s promises.
I Declare: I receive grace to confront every obstacle standing against God’s purpose for my life. I will not surrender my inheritance to fear or opposition. I move forward in faith into God’s promises.
Ignite Quote: “You cannot surrender to every opposition and expect to possess everything God has placed before you.”
