As we begin a new year, it’s natural to ponder the promises and blessings that might remain unfulfilled in our lives. This reflection often parallels Israel’s pursuit of Canaan—an inheritance promised by God but not fully claimed. How often do we find ourselves standing on the brink of untapped potential or unclaimed promises? Let’s explore Israel’s journey towards Canaan and draw insights on embracing our own promises from God.
Joshua, at a pivotal moment, is reminded by God about the unclaimed territories within Canaan, pledged to Abraham’s descendants. This promise echoes from the initial pledge in Genesis 12:7, resonating through Moses’ time in Egypt (Exodus 3:7-8) and reiterated directly to Joshua (Joshua 1:1-3).
God’s promise to Israel was dual in nature—he gave them the land but yet requiring their action to possess it.
Canaan symbolizes the believers’ blessing/inheritance in the Lord, emphasized in Ephesians 1:3—an abundance of blessings awaiting activation through faith. Paul outlines these spiritual treasures in vvs 4-14:
- Chosen before the foundation of the world.
- Predestined for adoption as God’s children.
- Redemption through Christ’s sacrifice.
- Revelation of the mystery of His will.
- Marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of inheritance.
This inheritance, both temporal and eternal, is affirmed by Jesus in Mark 10:28-29, promising blessings now and eternal life for eternity.
However, despite God’s promises, we often experience a gap between expectation and reality. Fear, complacency, and compromise hindered Israel’s possession of Canaan, mirroring our struggles in embracing God’s blessings.
Our spiritual inheritance in Christ demands intentional appropriation. Let’s shift our focus from settling for less to active pursuit. We’re urged to acknowledge, embrace, and act upon God’s promises, not just hoping for blessings but actively pursuing them.
You may wonder why, if God has given us everything for a godly life, we still struggle with sin or experience lack? Israel faced a similar predicament; although promised Canaan, they had to possess it. Likewise, our inheritance requires appropriation.
Consider a house gifted to you yet occupied by squatters. Unless you initiate some sort of eviction proceeding against its illegal occupants, you will never be able to occupy and enjoy your property. Similarly, our spiritual inheritance might face resistance, requiring our intentional faith and action to claim it.
As we welcome the new year, let’s focus on finishing what we started. Reacquaint yourself with God’s plan for your life, resolve to maximize your potential, reassert your dominion over challenges, and resist anything challenging your inheritance.
Like Joshua, who fought until old age, refuse to settle for less. Register your claim to the promises God has given. Just as Israel had to fight for Canaan, we must strive spiritually to possess our inheritance.
Let’s learn from both victories and setbacks of the past year, refusing to settle where we are. In this new year, embrace God’s promises, press on towards your goals, and take hold of the abundant life promised in Christ.
May this new year be one where we actively claim and walk in the fullness of God’s promises. Wishing you a victorious and blessed new year ahead.
Warm regards!
by David Vital