Much Land Remains To Be Conquered

The publication of my book, Faith Storm, made for an exciting week for me. But, it was also a week of reflection. Faith Storm was a three-year project that actually took decades to come to fruition (I talk about those decades in the book). For the past three years, I have written and edited the manuscript, learned how to format a book for publication, created a custom book cover, built a website from scratch, and published a book. Except for the writing and editing part, everything else was brand new for me. There were many, many set-backs, tears of frustration, and a few insecurity meltdowns, including threats to quit the project completely. But there were also amazing revelations, accomplishments, and godly assurances. In the end, I can confidently say that, while it was difficult, it was also completely worth it.

However…

As I was considering this journey, and how blessed I’ve been to have experienced it, I was also breathing a big sigh of relief. “It’s over! I can relax now. God wanted me to write this book, and It. Is. Done!” Then, during my private Bible study time, I came across this verse and I can’t quit thinking about it:

When Joshua was an old man, the Lord said to him, “You are growing old, and much land remains to be conquered” (Joshua 13:1 NLT).

Scholars believe Joshua was between 85 and 100 years old when God spoke those words to him. He had spent the previous seven years battling, and defeating, thirty-one kings. I wonder if Joshua had been planning his retirement, or at least an extended vacation, after his successful campaign for God? Maybe a little R&R on the banks of the Jordan River? Or a therapeutic trip to the Dead Sea Spa? Surely well deserved, right? However, God had other plans for him. Joshua needed to continue to lead the Israelites and divide up the land between the tribes. His assignment wasn’t over yet.

Now, the world would tell us that God is selfish for “taking advantage” of an old man like Joshua who had earned a nice retirement. But, for Christians, part of our joy is in knowing that God has a Purpose and a Plan (uppercase “P’s”) for us, His children, and that He is allowing each of us to participate in His Plan by giving us our own personal purpose and plan (lowercase “p’s”) to assist Him, no matter how old (or young) we are.

Joshua died at the age of 110. It appears he never did get the kind of restful retirement we dream of in today’s modern world. But, perhaps, he had something better. In some of his last recorded words before he died, Joshua urged the Israelites to “fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly” (Joshua 24:14a). Then he let them know exactly where he personally stood on the matter: “But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15c). Right up until the end of his life, he had the joy of knowing he had obeyed and served his Lord well. Not necessarily perfect, but well. No regrets.

It was not my idea to write Faith Storm. It is like nothing I ever envisioned that I would write. (As a writer, I’ve always had more of a Southern Gothic bent.) But, as it progressed, and kept coming together in spite of my inadequacies, I knew that I was doing exactly what God wanted me to do. And I discovered something. There is nothing quite so satisfying as knowing that God gave you a directive and you followed it through to completion. But the best part for me was realizing that I was only a bit player in this scene. God was the heavyweight. He didn’t give me a task and then walk away. In the person of the Holy Spirit, He rolled up his sleeves, guided me on the easy days, and carried me on the hard ones. All I had to do was follow. What an awesome God we have!

I started the week breathing a sigh of relief. But, I ended it looking forward to my next assignment to do the impossible again with the God who makes all things possible (Matthew 19:26). As I told a friend recently, “There is more coming…. I just know it ain’t over yet.” If God is willing, I am ready.

Much land remains to be conquered.

Be watchful. God may be giving you an opportunity to serve Him right now—an opportunity to be a conqueror, blessed by your obedience to Him. If God is willing, are you ready?