...More Ground

Anchor scripture: Joshua 18: 1-3

Synopsis

The Israelites had been given the land God promised through Moses. Their enemies were subdued, the Tabernacle was set up in Shiloh, yet seven tribes had not yet taken their inheritance. They had settled into comfort instead of pressing forward.

Joshua had to jolt them into action — dividing the land and urging each tribe to go and claim what was theirs.

Today, we face a similar challenge. Many of us have promises from God, open doors, and cleared paths — yet we’re not taking bold steps forward. Whether from fatigue, distraction, fear, or comfort, we stop short of bigger exploits, even though God has already prepared the way.

The question remains: Why are we waiting? We need to find an anchor to remind us of what God can do, then find wisdom and strength in the word and company of other believers to propel us forward and claim ‘more ground’. 

The Call to Action

Joshua 1:1–3 reminds us: “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you.” 

The promise is sure, but we have a responsibility to step out and take it.

However, many of us get comfortable. We get to a point, and we get comfortable and don’t go further. 

There remained seven tribes… which should mean perfection, but the Israelites had not yet reached perfection, yet they were complacent and tired. Let‘s learn not to get content until we receive all that God has promised. 

The point of emphasis is taking action - like the four lepers in the Syrian camp: they recognised that they needed to take action to move forward, otherwise they would come to ruin either by death or starvation. So we must like them, look beyond fear and take the first step and move forward. 

Yes, it’s okay to rest. But rest is meant for renewal, not retirement. We must keep our eyes on the assignment, draw strength from God’s Word, and surround ourselves with fellow believers who will propel us forward. 

Like God told Joshua, we must stay in the word, stay obedient to God and in doing that, we will get refreshed and energised to continue taking over.

Joshua 18:3 asks us plainly: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord… has given you?” How long before we fulfil the things that God has placed in our hearts to do? He has a vision to fulfil. Will we be part of those who will bring His vision to bear? Will we stop putting things off, now, and take action? Will we take daily action? 

Pressing Forward

Ephesians 4:13 calls us to keep striving until we reach the fullness of Christ. Philippians 3:13–14 urges us to press toward the goal without letting problems consume us. Even 1 Peter 5:8–9 warns us to stay alert and resist the enemy’s attempts to keep us stagnant.

We heard powerful testimonies this week—Nelly’s story of her second child’s miraculous birth and Johnson’s journey from Nigeria to South Africa for his PhD. Each one reminds us that faith plus action opens the door for God’s perfect will to unfold.

We are reminded to take action and watch God deliver His promises to us. Don't be content with the state or situation you are in. Take giant strides. When you start, God will back you up and make resources available. 

You Can’t Do It Alone

Joshua 18:1 shows us that “the whole congregation… assembled together.” Taking ground isn’t a solo project. We need people—trusted, godly relationships that sharpen and strengthen us. When we walk together, we multiply our capacity.

You can’t be in the middle of a crisis and decide to leave the church.

Like the Simeonites who helped the men of Judah in Judges 1, we’re called to sow into others even while believing for our breakthrough. When reaching for the things God has promised you, don’t look at your current realities. When you are going through things, learn to look away from your problems and look to how you can help someone else. In doing so, God opens your eyes and the hearts of those around you to bring forth the solutions you need. 

The Bottom Line

You can have the blessing in your hand and still live in struggle—if you don’t step into it. God has already given the land. He isn’t worried about how you’ll succeed—He already has the plan. He doesn’t get caught unawares. So let‘s not worry and falter, but let‘s trust God.

So here’s the question: How long will you wait?
Take the first step. Take giant strides. Take more ground. God will back you up, open doors, and bring the resources you need.

Thank God for His timely word and His power to reveal, renew, and release us into the promises He’s already prepared.