Read Deuteronomy 3 – “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 In our chapter, Moses speaks of learning this lesson.
The Lord assured them of victory over the land of the giants; they conquered all sixty towns, fortified cities and villages, belonging to King Og, the last of the Rephaites (:3-11). This repeated mentioning of the conquering of the Rephaites stresses that Israel’s original fears that kept them from the Promised Land for 40 years, were unfounded. Truly, as Romans 8:31 says: “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Beloved, are there any giants in your life, keeping you from all that God has for you to do, to receive, to glorify Him by?
The Lord gave the conquered lands to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh with the stipulation that they must leave and cross the Jordan with their brothers until all of the land of Israel was secured (:18-20). Although God permitted that the women, children and livestock could stay behind while only the fighting men left. I learned in a deeper study of Joshua that this took about 7 years, and I am reminded of our military, who leave families behind to serve God and country.
Beloved, you may be called to go and you may be called to stay behind, either way you are called to PRAY, covering those on the fighting lines with spiritual protection and fortifying those left behind with all that is needed to endure and thrive in the absence of their loved one.
Moses pleaded with the LORD to cross the Jordan (:23-25). The LORD could not allow it, but He did permit Moses to go up to Pisgah Peak, where he could lay eyes on all that the LORD would give to Israel.
Beloved, sometimes God says no. Notice that Moses remained faithful, even when he did not get what he hoped for, as you should too. Remember, God is good all the time, even when He says no.
Judy in the Sky 