TAKING GROUND

What do we want to inherit from God? How do we take ground in our generation?

Ps Ash Smith | Citipointe Church Redcliffe

Can we be real for a second? Sometimes life sucks! Sometimes life can be so frustrating.

People that you love can get hurt, you can get hurt, you can hurt other people. School can be stressful. Family can be difficult, especially if you live in a non-Christian household. I FEEL it, hey. There is an ache in our hearts for heaven. An understanding that things aren’t what they could be. That something is deeply broken and needs a fix. That ache is a beautiful gift when we understand what it is for.

The Israelites were rescued from Egypt (where they were brutally oppressed) by God, who promised them a land for their inheritance. They waited on this promise for 40 years, and in Joshua 14-17, we see them finally in the Promised Land, and God is dividing it between the Tribes. The Israelites were so familiar with the ache for God’s will and God’s kingdom to come, and I think there are 3 key takeaways for you from their waiting and their entry to the Promised Land:

1. Be faithful to God.

I don’t know how long you have been waiting, praying and fasting for your school, work, region or family, but I do know it can be tough. Standing on a promise from God in the face of opposition can be so hard! The Israelites waited on God for 40 years while wandering aimlessly. I prayed for my family for 4 years before one of them got saved. The waiting can be frustrating and so often we can ask ‘God what are you waiting for?’ or ‘Why haven’t we seen revival?’ or ’Why isn’t [insert name] saved?’... I think a better question to ask yourself is ‘Do you trust God?’

2. God is faithful.

Have you ever been let down by someone? That feeling when you were going to meet up with someone who doesn’t show or someone said they would come to your game or concert and didn’t? It hurts, right!? Sometimes those things can really stick with us. We can build a lack of trust in people and we can project that lack of trust on God. Can I encourage you today... God will never let you down. Never. ALL of His promises are yes and amen. If He said it, He will do it. God isn’t like anyone who has let you down in the past and left you with a lack of trust or confidence. He will never go back on His promises! Have you ever stood on a massive rock? When you stand on sand or dirt it moves beneath your feet but a massive rock... That thing is solid. God is called a rock in Scripture 128 times! He is solid, unmoving and unshakable. You can trust Him.

3. God’s promises to us.

I don’t have a big enough word limit to unpack the 750 promises in the New Testament alone but here are a few BANGERS.

• Eternal Life (John 3:16, John 11:25)

Everyone who has placed their faith in Jesus is promised eternal life! When you die, you will be in heaven for eternity. In the presence of God, with the saints for eternity. No pain, no heartache, no suffering. For eternity. Praise God!

• Proximity (Matthew 28:20, Romans 8:38-39)

God isn’t just with you, He is in you. You are a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. It is impossible for God to be any closer to you than He is right now. He isn’t waiting for performance or perfection. He is with you always. Praise God!

• Answered Prayer (John 14:13, John 15:7)

When we align our prayers with His will and His power, anything can happen. Mountains can move, physical healing can take place, we can see revival. Anything we ask for in His name, He will do. Praise God!

Application:

So what now? Keep waiting, praying and fasting. Don’t stop believing God’s promises.

Maybe you need to make a list of things that God has promised you, maybe you need to set

alarms on your phone to remind you to pray, maybe you need to schedule some fasting every week. So go for it… God moves when you move.