How Long Will You Wait?

As the people of Israel were moving through Canaan, they assembled at Shiloh, and “the land lay subdued before them” (Josh 18:1). Although the people had been victorious through God’s hand as they came into possession of the Promised Land, seven tribes remained without an allotted inheritance. Joshua asked the people, “How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land, which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?” (Josh 18:3). Notice carefully Joshua’s wording—the land God “has given you.” God had already given the land to his children; all they needed to do was rise and take possession of it, but they waited.

How often do we wait to take possession of the blessings God has promised?

• How many are waiting to obey the gospel until the time is right?
• How many suffer trials and neglect to pray?
• How many face great temptation but do not look for the promised way of escape?
• How many find themselves trapped in sin but do not seek the counsel of stronger Christians?
• How many neglect to give generously and forgo God’s promised blessings?
• How many ignore the weekly assembly and forsake the edification of their brethren?
• How many dismiss the study of Scripture and fail to grow in Christ?
• How many allow their minds to wander during the Lord’s Supper and relinquish the closeness to God that comes from remembering his love?
• How many refuse to serve others and fail to benefit from seeing others blessed?

God had given his people the Promised Land; they just needed to kindle their energy, defeat the enemies God promised to destroy, and settle the land. God has promised you great blessings over and over. Don’t be like the Israelites and wait to receive them; arise today, do what God requires, and be greatly blessed.

This article was originally written by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., for the weekly newsletter at Church of Christ Deer Park in Deer Park, Texas.