When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the LORD said to him, “You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over. – Joshua 13:1 (NIV)

During Joshua’s leadership over the Israelites, the northern and southern kings were routed and the land of promise was being claimed.  Armies and lands were overcome with the power of God through His people.  Miraculous interventions, like the Sun standing still in the sky, were signs of God’s hand aiding the twelve
tribes.  And yet God tells Joshua, “there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.”  Unfinished conquering lay ahead.

Raising our children in the wilderness that is the fallen world will require an understanding of unfinished
conquering.  If we want our children to be land wholly devoted to God’s purposes, they will need to be prepared to
conquer the land.  As they grow and mature, our children will face new enemies; enemies that will disguise
themselves as friends or as harmless.  These enemies will try to conquer spiritual territory in the hearts and
minds of our children.  They need to be conquerors.

God’s promise to Joshua before entering into a life of conquest was, “Be strong and courageous.”  That promise holds for us and our children.  If we are intent on conquering the land God has given us – our time, talents and treasures – He will be with us.  But we will need to stay faithful to God’s commands.  Each of our children are
children of promise.  Through Christ they have the potential to conquer the world for God, but first they must be conquered by God.

Lord, give me a conquering spirit.  Help me to raise my children to be more than conquerors for Your kingdom.  May they grow in strength, courage and faith each day. Amen

When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the LORD said to him, “You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over. – Joshua 13:1 (NIV)

During Joshua’s leadership over the Israelites, the northern and southern kings were routed and the land of promise was being claimed.  Armies and lands were overcome with the power of God through His people.  Miraculous interventions, like the Sun standing still in the sky, were signs of God’s hand aiding the twelve
tribes.  And yet God tells Joshua, “there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.”  Unfinished conquering lay ahead.

Raising our children in the wilderness that is the fallen world will require an understanding of unfinished
conquering.  If we want our children to be land wholly devoted to God’s purposes, they will need to be prepared to
conquer the land.  As they grow and mature, our children will face new enemies; enemies that will disguise
themselves as friends or as harmless.  These enemies will try to conquer spiritual territory in the hearts and
minds of our children.  They need to be conquerors.

God’s promise to Joshua before entering into a life of conquest was, “Be strong and courageous.”  That promise holds for us and our children.  If we are intent on conquering the land God has given us – our time, talents and treasures – He will be with us.  But we will need to stay faithful to God’s commands.  Each of our children are
children of promise.  Through Christ they have the potential to conquer the world for God, but first they must be conquered by God.

Lord, give me a conquering spirit.  Help me to raise my children to be more than conquerors for Your kingdom.  May they grow in strength, courage and faith each day. Amen