31 December Joshua 17

We are more than conquerors

Joshua 17:17-18 (NLT) Then Joshua said to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph, “Since you are so large and strong, you will be given more than one portion. 18 The forests of the hill country will be yours as well. Clear as much of the land as you wish, and take possession of its farthest corners. And you will drive out the Canaanites from the valleys, too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots.”

The tribes of Joseph wanted more land because their families were so large. Joshua told them they could gain more land by driving out the Canaanites. He admitted that the Canaanites were strong and powerful, but he encouraged them that they were still able to defeat them.

In the same way, believers today also face enemies. Our battles are usually not about physical land, but about spiritual ground. This “land” is in our own hearts, where we must overcome sin and grow closer to God, and in the lives of others, where we are called to share God’s truth and love.

The Bible reminds us in Ephesians 6:12, (NIV) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

And even though the enemies are strong, we have victory through Christ: Romans 8:37, (NIV) “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Just as Joshua encouraged the tribes of Joseph to rise up in faith and take possession of the land, we too are called to take possession of the spiritual ground God has set before us. The enemies may look strong, the obstacles may seem overwhelming, and the battles may feel impossible—but through Christ, victory is certain.

God has given us His Spirit, His Word, and His promises so that we can stand firm, overcome sin, and advance His Kingdom. The question is not whether the enemy is strong—it is whether we will trust God’s strength within us.

So, take courage. Clear out the “spiritual land” in your heart. Step forward in faith to impact the lives around you. For the same God who promised victory to Joseph’s descendants is the God who makes us “more than conquerors through Him who loved us”