Work’s Still Not Done

Text: Joshua 13:1-6 Theme: The Promised Land still had many challenges Key verses: “When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the Lord said to him, ‘You are very old, and there are still large areas of land to be taken over.” (v. 1) “As for all the inhabitants of the mountain regions…I myself will drive them out before the Israelites. Be sure to allocate this land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have instructed you, and divide it as an inheritance among the nine tribes…” (v. 6-7) What God said to me: Notice that even after Joshua had invested his entire adult life in combating tribes within the promised land, there were still more enemies and problems to confront. As long as you are on this earth, there will be times and seasons of battle. There will be people and groups who reject your message, even persecute you for your faith and your stand for me. You should expect this until your dying day. From this you will never retire. Of course, I will never place on you or expect more of you than you can bear or deliver. I told Joshua I myself would drive out certain hard to reach areas. Dwayne, I will always be there to pick up your slack, to handle what you physically and spiritually cannot. Just be sure you do what I have commanded and instructed you. “Be sure,” I told Joshua. “Be sure” I am telling you today. Don’t miss your God-given responsibilities. Don’t use excuses like you’re busy or tired or overwhelmed. Finish the tasks I have placed on you. The work will never be done, but your work can be completed. That is what I will hold you accountable for. What I said to God: Lord, praise You and thank You for speaking clearly to my spirit and my heart this morning. I have noticed myself becoming more lazy and not wanting to make time for you as much lately. My zeal and passion for the lost has waned. My enthusiasm for our ministry to worship leaders and churches has suffered too. Please forgive me for losing sight of what You have called me to do. I accept that my work will continue for as long as I am on this earth. I love You. But I must love You more…