Today’s Devotion
Topic: More Room For Improvement!
Text: Joshua 17:14-15
14 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.”
15 “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.” Amen
The phrase “more room for improvement”, is a widely used remark by teachers as they assess the academic performance of their pupils within a particular term.
It does not only seek to compliment their efforts and conduct during the academic year, it also assures them of more successes ahead if they do not give up but work harder than previously.
This is very similar to what the great warrior, Joshua seemed to be telling the Manassites of Israel when they were in the position to break bounds and enlarge their territory. Earlier they were just complaining to Joshua that their allotment was smaller than can support their number.
Joshua dared them “to go up into the forest and clear the land for themselves”. The process may be rough and tough but the land when cleared will support their number and will be their expanded inheritance forever.
Beloved in Christ, there is always room for improvement in life. This is actually irrespective of our past achievements, successes, failures or mistakes. Especially when we choose not to dwell so much on the past, whether good or bad, but to press on towards higher grounds; making sacrifices today that should guarantee higher achievements tomorrow.
The people of Joseph (Manasseh & Ephraim) had an advantage in numerical strength and Joshua inspired them to base on that and enlarge their territories. Beloved, what are the opportunities and God-given blessings/ gifts that serve as your advantage? Lay hold on all those abilities, harness them and take the bold steps to working them into enlarging your territory.
With God by your side, both as your wisdom and strength, nothing will be impossible to achieve in life. Begin to pray now. “Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust Him, and He will help you” (Ps 37: 5). Pray with the hymn “I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining everyday. Still praying as, I’m onward bound. Lord plant my feet on higher ground”.
Always remember that with God, all things are possible. Up high the mountain of God we climb. We know no retreat nor surrender. We will not relent until God says so!
(www.yonghana.org; Like our Facebook page: Y Outreach Network)
