Here is a good summary of what we have read so far in the book of Joshua:
So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled (Joshua 21:43-45, emphasis added).
Notice that everything God did for the people was a gift. He gave them land, rest, peace, and His word. He fulfilled every promise He made. In order for that to happen, however, the people had to do their part and take possession of the land by fighting, settling, building, and tending. The same is true for you.
God gives you purpose and creative talents. Those are gifts you didn't ask for and can't earn. Once you discover what they are, it's your duty to be fruitful in their use and expression: "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you" (John 15:16). There's another promise from Jesus: God will answer your prayers in the context of bearing fruit.
What is your fruit? What do you do that makes you most productive for the Lord? What promises are you standing on and working toward seeing fulfilled? What more can you do to structure your life to be a good steward of the promises and good things God has given you? Is your prayer life bearing fruit as well?
God has given you a lot but it comes with a warning, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked" (Luke 12:48). Be mindful today that God is in the giving business but then you must be in the habit of working and developing what He gives you.
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