“The people of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance? We are a numerous people, and the Lord has blessed us abundantly.

“If you are so numerous,” Joshua answered, “and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites.” (Joshua 17:16-17 NIV)

Did Joshua just say, if you want it then to get to work? Yes he did!

Joshua had been leading the people of Israel into Canaan for many years now.  Many battles had been fought, and Israel was starting to settle into their new home.

Land was being allotted to each tribe based on size.  But one tribe felt like they needed more than what was given to them.

They took their concern to Joshua and he agreed that they could have more land.  But  they had to go and clear it out for themselves…i.e. they had to get their hands dirty and work for it.

Even though these were the direct descendents of Abraham they still had to participate in the process to receive what was promised.

Yes indeed.  Every step of the way they had a part to play.  Through prayer.  Through battle.  Through work.

Do you have a stirring in your heart that there is more to the promise for you?  Then maybe it’s time for you to roll up your sleeves and get to work.  I am certain that in that process you will see how each step leads you to the next level of God’s ultimate plan for your life.

~Vijoy

Photo by jesse orrico on Unsplash