Challenging Our Faith
Joshua 17: 17-18 The tribe of Joseph faced difficulties in fully possessing their land due to strong Canaanite forces. Joshua encouraged them to be bold and take action. Christian need to do the same in their faith.
11/5/20251 min read
17 And Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—saying, “You are a great people and have great power; you shall not have only one lot, 18 but the mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong.” Joshua 17:17-18 (NKJV)
The tribes of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, approach Joshua to express dissatisfaction with their allotment of land. They argue that their tribe has gotten too large and their inheritance is insufficient for their needs. Joshua tells them to expand their territory into the forest country of the giants since the mountains were too confined for their needs. They tell Joshua the people in the valley have powerful military technologies (chariots of iron) and are fearful. Joshua reassures them that they will drive out the Canaanites.
One of the challenges that Christian face today is the struggle to maintain spiritual strength in a fast-paced world. The demands of daily life, including work and personal responsibilities, can distract Christians from their spiritual practices. Many find it difficult to prioritize prayer and Bible study amidst their busy schedules, leading to a sense of disconnection from God. 1 Corinthians 15:58 states: "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to God.
Stand up to the challenge to maintain your faith. Reflect on your faith daily, revisit stories of faith and encouragement in the bible to provide motivation and encouragement, maintain a healthy prayer life, and receive encourage from fellow believers. Keeping the faith in today's world can become a great challenge, but by remembering God's grace and following the example of Jesus, Christians can keep their faith strong and unwavering.