I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Joshua 17. “Yet the Manassites were not able to occupy these towns, for the Canaanites were determined to live in that region. However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor but did not drive them out completely. 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.’ The people of Joseph replied, ‘The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have chariots fitted with iron, both those in Beth Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel.’ But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—’You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out'” (Verses 12-18). Though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong… you can drive them out. But, the people were not able to drive out the Canaanites, and thus they were never able to to completely possess the promise that God had for them. Why? The answer is in the verses:”the hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron…” They had forgotten who God was, they had forgotten (in such a short time) what He had done to enemies that were bigger and stronger. They had defeated kings, laid entire cities to waste and ruin, yet they feared iron chariots?! Israel, what happened to you?! Here’s a truth WE DO THE SAME… EVERYDAY. God moves our obstacles, He clears away the danger. We get comfortable, we forget. Then we have a need, but instead of going to our mighty Father, the One who has met every need thus far. We whine and complain about the enemy and their iron chariots. Remember who God is, remember what He has done. Don’t get comfortable in the world. Don’t fear the iron chariots. Instead fear the God who can wipe them out with just one word. This way we can possess EVERYTHING God has for us. ALL of the promise.