I am incredibly blessed to live in my literal Promised Land. I prayed and waited six years for the vision God whispered to my heart to materialize in what is now our small farm. It’s been quite the Jesus-led adventure so far.
In other areas of my life, I am approaching the Jordan River, asking the Lord to go before me and part the waters for my figurative and spiritual Promised Land.
I’m realizing it may take me years to unpack what it means to live on the other side of the Jordan. The balance is tricky of dwelling in God’s presence and using the sword of the Spirit. Maybe that’s why I’m kind of obsessed with studying Joshua and the millions who crossed over into the promises of God.
If you feel like you are beginning to enter into what God has promised you, either figuratively or literally, or you’re starting to really believe God keeps His promises, I want to share a secret with you:
The future God has for you in your Promised Land is beautiful, full of bountiful blessings and life lived with God’s very presence, but it’s not easy.
So, lean in close and listen to God. Completely rely on God and not your logic. Open yourself up to what only God can do even if you can’t. Raise the sword of the Spirit. Believe in miracles. Listen to the God’s truth and not your feelings. Keep moving forward and don’t go back.
This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
In the Promised Land, you’ll have reason to be strong and courageous. (Anytime God tells us to “be” something three times before we need it, you’ll have a reason to be it.)
So many of us want to turn back to the desert when we have to use our God-given strength and courage. We think something is wrong with us, with the situation, or with God’s plans when there’s a battle to be won.
But if the literal Promised Land of the Old Testament teaches us anything, it’s this: Joshua’s real battle, just like ours, was to believe God would make him strong and courageous, and that He would accomplish what He had already established in the Spirit. Joshua knew possessing the promise wasn’t really about the land but about trusting the God who was giving it, and he knew the process was worth following God — for himself, his friends, and future generations.
Each time Joshua faced another opportunity to use the strength and courage God gave him, it was not only about seeing evil defeated but also about watching God work in a personal way to bring Joshua and those who followed him into a deeper relationship with their Savior. Isn’t it the same with us?
In every battle we face, visible or not, God gives us the opportunity to rely solely on Him and watch the Miracle Worker in action.
Joshua was hailed as a fearless warrior and courageous leader, but being an excellent listener of God’s truth and uncompromisingly obedient was what truly made him successful. God was the ultimate leader and warrior for His people. He determined the outcome before the battle began. He gave instructions on how and when to fight. Joshua picked up his sword and did as he was told, but God received the glory from each victory.
“Do not be afraid of them,” the Lord said to Joshua, “for I have given you victory over them. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you.”
Joshua 10:8 (NLT)
Instead of focusing on each battle, Joshua focused on God because God gave the victory to them before they even fought. God protected and provided. God’s name became mighty and invincible. The enemy was already defeated before God’s people showed up.
God is giving you your Promised Land. He has already given you victory in Jesus, just like Joshua. Trust Him to give you the courage and strength you need to live as more than a conquerer in Christ to possess the land. Remember the focus is not about your blessings or the battles or even the victories but about dwelling with God in all of His glory in the very spot promised for you.
What is the Promised Land God is giving you?
In every battle we face, visible or not, God gives us the opportunity to rely solely on Him. -Stephanie Bryant: Click To Tweet Leave a Comment
Stephanie,
I think you nailed it when you said, “Joshua knew possessing the promise wasn’t really about the land but about trusting the God who was giving it.” I have been through many trials and some have worked themselves out, others are still in process. I DO know this for certain, that God is faithful to see me through every trial I’ve faced. It has taught me that the only place to be is in one of utter dependence and reliance upon the Lord. The promised land, for me, is a relationship and not a destination or dream. There is only One true promised land and that is the one that is promised when we accept the gift of salvation. Any other “promised lands” in this lifetime are icing on the top. Great post!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Dear Stephanie, so timely and to be written by you is certainly from the
Lord to me, concerning my Promised Land and the dire situations for family. And would so appreciate prayers. Thank you so much! HC
Praying for you and your family right now HC! Keep your eyes on Jesus and pray without ceasing it really worked for me. He never leaves us, he sees you , knows your situation and your fears and worries. Lean in, Jesus has you!!!
I left an abusive relationship with my daughter’s father. I had hoped that we would be able to work out an agreement easily, but the court battle draws on and on…My promised land is the end of all of this knowing that the Lord has laid out the best path for my young daughter.
Stephanie,
I loved your podcast which I listened to a while ago and well every ounce of your words here right now is like God awakening me again to not be afraid, to not grumble in the waiting but to trust in him. I’m learning it’s not the destination of walking Gods path for me it’s in the actual walking. I have been focusing on the ‘end’ job or being so so eager to see where God is leading me but along the way I am learning about enneagram and who I am in Christ. I need to finish my report to finish my Masters which I had stopped working in due to believing my doubts but God has brought me on track again…. Simply amazing post and whole idea about living in your promised land right now on earth- a concept I had never heard of until your podcast!! Thank you so much!! Do you have more than the ‘Jesus led adventure ‘ podcast to study this further?
Blessings
In gratitude
Jas
Fabulous reminder! Thank you.
Thank you!! This truly reminded me that God speaks to us and gives us direction through any means he chooses. I am facing a family situation that I was unsure if I was making the right decisions, but reading this was like having God sitting next to me speaking it to me while holding my hand!! This has inspired me to walk courageously through this situation knowing what God has indeed promised me….he will never leave me or forsake me!! Thank you again!!
“So many of us want to turn back to the desert when we have to use our God-given strength and courage. We think something is wrong with us, with the situation, or with God’s plans when there’s a battle to be won.” What a great visual to take with me when I feel I want to turn back and my over-analytical mind wants to justify why. Yes, be strong and courageous because of being with God. We are not alone.
Thank you. Well said.
Stephanie,
I’d rather bolt from a current situation than endure it but yet I stay. I believe that I am where God wants me to be and I trust that He will see me through.
Thank-you for your wonderful encouraging words that you’ve so kindly shared with us.
I hope that you all have a blessed day,
Penny
My favorite passage and i needed this tonight. Thankfully God used your words to encourage me.
Stephanie,
I, like many here, have faced trials/tribulations. One thing I learned in all those situations is to trust the God of the universe. Don’t fret or worry much just take it to the Lord & let Him handle it. He will fight our battles for us. God works in mysterious ways & we must follow & obey Him ALL the way. The battle of Gideon & the Midianites is one example. The Israelites used jars, lanterns & blew trumpets. They, with God’s help, won the battle with the Midianites. No swords or other weapons needed. They had to rely solely on God. I have found that reliance on Him is the only answer in most cases. My promised land is in Heaven. Being obedient to God while down here & then getting to see & praise my Lord forever. Can’t wait to cross that Jordan into eternal bliss with no troubles or trials.
Blessings 🙂
Hi Stephanie!! You’ve always been a visionary and a leader – following what God’s put on your heart! It’s exctiging to see you pursuing courageous and boldly going to this next adventure and encouraging others in this new chapter flowing from the passion God’s put on your heart! I was blessed by you from the time you stepped out to start (in)courage and see how it’s blossomed – it’s going to be *10* years since blogging together for (in)courage – can you believe it!! Thank you for sharing from your heart and journey. I’m looking forward to hugging and seeing you in just a little bit at the (in)courage retreat and enjoy your company this week, friend! 🙂 We’re in the same cabin! YES!! love, Bonnie