“Therefore you shall keep every commandment which I command you today, that you may be strong, and go in and possess the land which you cross over to possess.” Deuteronomy 11:8 (NKJV)
In today’s passage, God was bringing His people out of slavery and into a Promised Land. This land is a symbol of the incredible, spirit-filled life we can now have under the new covenant.
But here’s what’s interesting. When the Israelites got to the edge of the Promised Land, God didn’t simply usher them in. He told them to go possess what He had given them. In other words, they had to fight for what was theirs.
That would be like me telling you, “I have a brand-new $10,000 watch for you, but you have to take it from the guy who’s currently wearing it.” That doesn’t sound much like a gift, does it? Yet God was saying, “I am your God and I have provided a path of blessing for you, but it requires a response.”
James 2:26 says faith without works is dead. So, you and I have to take corresponding actions of belief in order to release our faith.
Over and over again in the Bible, you’ll find this relationship between faith and action. The Israelites walked around the city of Jericho seven times, and God brought the walls down. They walked into the Promised Land populated by giants, and God helped them take down their enemies. City by city, farm by farm, they claimed that land. God had already determined the victory, but they needed to take action.
God is always looking for a man or woman who will trust Him and start moving. His Word is full of promises for you. Get up and believe Him for great things!
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