Overtake and Conquer!
As Christians, we cannot be weak, anemic, or limping through this life, but we are being called to be in alignment with the Father to be the ambassadors of the Kingdom of God, strong, able, and without fear!
You must have no fear of failure - Know that you are on assignment.
We are living in a warzone of fear, disease, financial ruin, violence, chaos, and disorder. We can blame it on the Democrats, Republicans, Black, White, police, rich, poor, or gangs. But the culprit is Satan. He is a user, abuser, and home and nation-wrecker. We cannot allow him to dictate the direction of our lives, family, community, or nation. In the Old Testament, Joshua was Moses’ assistant who served him faithfully. When Moses died, the Israelites were still in the wilderness suffering the consequence of their stubbornness and idolatry and they were presented with a problem. They needed a leader who would lead them in the right direction. Moses was not perfect, but he was chosen. I imagine that Joshua was not perfect either but God spoke the harsh reality in Joshua 1: 1-9, saying,
“Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel.
V3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.
V4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory.
V5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. V6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
V7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
V8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
V9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua could have denied the call, rejected the call, or even pretended he did not hear God, but he put on his big boy pants and took the lead.
What is God directing you to lead today? We are all leaders of something or someone. It may be in your household or on your job or your own business. But you are a leader. Are you going to be directed by MSNBC, CNN, or Fox News, or even the CDC? The God Who created all things in Heaven and earth, above and below it, who put the right amount of atoms and cells in our bodies to design reproducible life is still in control -He is still on the throne. It’s up to each of us to recognize His reach and follow His instructions. Yes, even when it doesn’t seem to be convenient! It is impossible for Him to fail. Joshua answers the call with these words, not to God, but to the people - it was actionable words:
“Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, v11 “Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess.’ “
Joshua 1:10-11 NKJV
He boldly proclaimed - Three days ya’ll! We’re crossing this Jordan!
What Jordan are you facing today? How are you going to overtake and conquer it?
Here are some keys to help you overtake and conquer:
1. Repent for making excuses why you can't do it.
When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, he responded with, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring out the children of Israel?” He doubted himself and God. It was clearly an excuse. We know what those are, don’t we? We make them all the time, especially when we seek to try something new, make a significant change, or attempt to conquer a new feat. However, Jesus overcame all so we could do the same.
2. Align yourself with the intercession of Jesus.
“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27 NKJV
Jesus has been interceding for us since he sat down at the right hand of the Father. He is for us more so than we are for ourselves. Allow your spirit to connect with the Holy Spirit and see how bold and beautiful you become, a mighty conqueror!
3. Hear the voice of God and recognize the season of change. Moses saw the supernatural and he turned to see and answered God’s call and when it was time for Joshua to step up, he did the same.
4. Allow your heart to be transformed and mind changed.
Rom. 12:1 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 NKJV
Mindsets are built when we don't allow the Holy Spirit to renew us: this takes time with God. We don't just wake up and we're like Him. Just like your cell phone - it needs time to recharge completely or you won't have full access. In this moment in time, we need to know the mind of God so that we process information and make decisions with the correct mindset, His mindset, His Truth.
5. Follow the plan of God - have an ear to hear.
“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; v8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:4-8 .
Be a doer of the Word, not just a hearer. Yes, it is work - it takes faith and work to conquer new territory, move to a new city, switch jobs, or start a business, a family, or other new adventure that avails itself to you. So having patience and an ear to hear God is a must.
6. Fall in love with the plan of God! Fall in love with God, God’s people, and hIs plan. Give yourself no other option!
Remember faith will always propel you forward, whereas doubt and fear will make you step back and question.
Faith catapults you even when the odds are against you or not in your favor; even when you don't deserve it. God cares more about expanding His kingdom and inclusion than He is concerned about whether you deserve it or not - You were created to overtake and conquer every enemy that knocks on your door!