THERE REMAINS YET MUCH LAND TO BE POSSESSED
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Joshua 13:1
Key Verse: “Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the Lord said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.” — Joshua 13:1
Supporting Texts: Philippians 3:13-14; Deuteronomy 1:6-8; Isaiah 54:2-3; 2 Kings 13:18-19; Ephesians 3:20
INTRODUCTION:
The statement God made to Joshua was both a commendation and a challenge. Joshua had led Israel through numerous victories, conquered many kings, and established the tribes in their inheritance. Yet, God reminded him that there was still “very much land to be possessed.” This reveals that no matter how far we have come, there are always higher levels and deeper dimensions in God’s plan for our lives.
Many believers settle too soon, satisfied with partial victories and small accomplishments. But God’s purpose is always greater than our present experience. He calls us to keep advancing, enlarging, and taking new territories; spiritually, physically, and territorially.
Every stage of life and ministry presents new challenges and new lands to possess. God wants us to live with a mindset of progress, knowing that until our assignment is fully complete, there remains more land to take and more glory to reveal.
1. GOD EXPECTS CONTINUAL PROGRESS FROM HIS PEOPLE
God never intends for His people to stagnate. His call is always forward-moving. Even when we have achieved much, His voice still says, “Go forward.”
a) God’s will is for His children to keep advancing (Deuteronomy 1:6-8)
God told Israel to leave Mount Horeb because their journey had not ended. Progress is a divine command.
b) Progress reveals our faith in God’s promises (Hebrews 11:8-10)
Like Abraham, faith drives us to pursue greater things beyond what we currently see.
c) God measures success by obedience, not comfort (Philippians 3:13-14)
Paul refused to rest on past achievements; he pressed toward the high calling in Christ.
d) Progress requires focus and perseverance (Hebrews 12:1-2)
We must fix our eyes on Jesus and keep running with endurance until our race is complete.
Biblical Example: Israel had to move from Egypt to Canaan in stages. Each stage represented a new level of growth and trust in God (Exodus 13:17-18).
2. THERE ARE STILL GREATER TERRITORIES TO POSSESS
God’s purpose for your life is bigger than your current victories. There are still unclaimed blessings, untapped opportunities, and unfulfilled promises awaiting possession.
a) God’s promises are inexhaustible (Ephesians 3:20)
God can always do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think; His resources never run dry.
b) Each victory prepares you for the next conquest (Joshua 11:23)
Joshua’s earlier victories were only stepping stones to greater ones ahead.
c) Spiritual maturity opens the door to new assignments (Isaiah 54:2-3)
As you grow, God enlarges your capacity and calls you to possess more territory.
d) Complacency is the enemy of destiny (2 Kings 13:18-19)
King Joash limited his victory because he stopped striking the arrows too soon. Settling early limits divine possibilities.
Biblical Example: Caleb, even at 85, still desired to possess more land when he said, “Give me this mountain” (Joshua 14:10-12).
3. POSSESSING NEW LAND REQUIRES RENEWED STRENGTH AND STRATEGY
God gives fresh strength and divine wisdom for every new level of conquest. Each season demands new strategies and unwavering dependence on God.
a) New victories require new strength (Isaiah 40:31)
Those who wait on the Lord receive fresh energy to pursue and conquer.
b) Old strategies cannot win new battles (Joshua 8:1-2)
God gave Joshua a different approach to defeat Ai than the one used at Jericho.
c) Every new level demands deeper intimacy with God (Exodus 33:14-15)
Moses refused to go forward without God’s presence. Success without God’s guidance leads to failure.
d) Renewed strength comes through prayer and obedience (Psalm 27:14)
Waiting upon God in faith and obedience renews vision and energizes purpose.
Biblical Example: David sought God’s counsel before each battle, and each time God gave him a unique strategy for victory (2 Samuel 5:18-25).
4. GOD REWARDS THOSE WHO KEEP POSSESSING UNTIL THE END
Those who refuse to settle too soon receive greater rewards and divine commendation. Perseverance in faith leads to the fullness of inheritance.
a) God delights in those who finish their assignment (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Finishing well brings heavenly reward and eternal recognition.
b) Perseverance is the proof of faith (Hebrews 6:11-12)
Faith that endures to the end inherits the promises of God.
c) Every new land brings a fresh testimony of God’s faithfulness (Psalm 126:2-3)
The more you conquer, the more glory you give to God.
d) God remembers those who press on despite limitations (Joshua 13:1)
Even in old age, Joshua’s faithfulness was honoured as God reminded him of unfinished assignments.
Biblical Example: Paul fulfilled his calling, completing every task assigned to him before declaring, “I have finished my course.” (2 Timothy 4:7).
CONCLUSION:
The Christian journey is one of continual advancement. God is not done with you yet; there remain greater heights, deeper experiences, and broader territories to conquer. Don’t stop because you’ve achieved something; press on because there is still more to possess.
Joshua’s story reminds us that divine purpose has no retirement age. Whether young or old, rich or poor, God has placed within you the capacity to go further. Keep trusting, keep moving, and keep conquering, for there remains yet much land to be possessed.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for every victory I have experienced so far.
2. Father, open my eyes to see the new territories You want me to possess.
3. Lord, deliver me from complacency and contentment with little.
4. Grant me fresh vision and divine strategies for the next level.
5. O Lord, renew my strength to continue pressing forward.
6. Every power that wants to limit my progress, be broken in Jesus’ name.
7. Lord, expand my capacity to receive and handle greater blessings.
8. I receive grace to finish my divine assignment with excellence.
9. Father, make me a vessel that continually advances Your kingdom.
10. Lord, let my life reflect continuous progress until I fulfil my destiny.
