Anytime the Holy Spirit puts something into your heart and there is a fire kindled in your soul, usually it’s because God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone in faith and move past an obstacle into a Promised Land.
Anytime that God calls you to do that, you’re going to have skeptics around you. There will usually be an outward skeptic, a demonic skeptic from Satan and an inward skeptic from your own heart. They are going to be telling you all kind of arguments against the plan that God has for you.
You see, the skeptic is always trying to move you away from the obedience to God’s plan because of difficulties, but sometimes God even uses those skeptics to make us aware that, when we cross over, the enemy nations aren’t going to lay down their arms and say, “Oh we love you, Joshua!” If you are following God’s plan, there is going to be conflict. There will be tough times, but you’re going to have to hold on to God’s promise that you would possess the land.
This is why God commissioned Joshua by saying, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, ESV).
Maybe you are believing God for a heart change. You have been stuck spiritually for far too long, and today is your day of release into the Promised Land. There are some that are believing for a miracle in your life, a restored family relationship or the salvation of somebody who doesn’t know Jesus. There are others who are in the battle of your life in your business or finances. For some, God is calling you into a certain vocation, and you’re wondering if you’ll be able to cross into that land and possess it.
We’re going to believe today that God will break down those defenses. God will break down those skeptical ideas and help us believe in faith that he’s going to move us into that land that he’s promised us.
You will be grateful that you moved into the battle because you’re going to rise up in the Spirit of God; you’re going to take hold of the authority God has put in your heart, and you’re going to say yes to his plans.