I have allotted to you as an inheritance all the land of the nations yet unconquered, as well as the land of those we have already conquered—from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. – Joshua 23:4
Although the Israelites had been granted the victory, it still took them a long time to subdue their enemies. “Little by little” and “inch by inch” is the pattern for gaining the territory promised to you. Sometimes your progress may be very slow, but you must fight on because every enemy you leave in your territory will become “a pain in your side and a thorn in your eyes” (Joshua 23:13).
Christ Himself is now seated at the right hand of God until He makes your enemies a footstool for your feet (Luke 20:43). Though the battle may be long, you are assured a victory in the end: “Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised” (Joshua 23:10). Fight on until every promise from God comes true, for surely the enemy who contests you is trying to resist the Word of God. The promise in Psalm 89:23 is clear: “I will beat down his adversaries before him and destroy those who hate him.”
In the midst of the long battle, remember that your character is being transformed. “Count it all joy” . . . your patience is growing (James 1:2 KJV)!
