“For each one of us, there is only one thing necessary: to fulfill our own destiny, according to God’s will, to be what God wants us to be.”
Thomas Merton
Our Promised Lands don’t just drop into our lap. We need to take possession of them. At times we have to fight for our destinies, just as the Israelites did in order to possess the land God had promised them. “So Joshua said to the people of Israel, ‘How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land, which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?’” Like the Israelites, in Joshua 18 verse 3, I too have procrastinated going after God’s destiny for my life.
Various fears have been the main reason I’ve put off grabbing a hold of my destiny in regards to writing a book. Fear of the unknown – not knowing how to write or get published, as well as feeling overwhelmed. Fear of failure – what if I did a poor job? Fear of the cost, sacrifice, time, and discipline it takes to complete a book project. Fear of lacking mental and physical strength and energy to complete God’s assignment, knowing my capacity and focus are limited. Fear of success – what might be required of me and the temptation toward pride.
The other night at house church our pastor had each of us stand and ask God what our biggest fear was at the time. I confessed and repented quietly of my fear of success and the lies I believed which were associated with that fear. The Holy Spirit whispered His truth in my mind: What You have for me is best for me! I began to repeat and declare that truth over and over again to wash away the deception and anxiety.
I need not to fear but have faith instead and trust God that if this is the destiny He has for me then He will show me how to fulfill it each step along the way. He’ll provide me with everything I need, like wisdom and direction, and everyone I need to help me complete His assignment. He’ll give me the courage, grace, stamina, and strength (physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually) to arrive at His destination. Most of all, I will love the promise land He has for me. It will be my sweet spot, the place of passion, joy, peace, and greatest fulfillment.
“Your life isn’t an accident. You have a destiny, one that only you can complete.”
Rick Warren
Relevant Reflections:
Describe a time when you put off taking possession of your Promised Land.
What were the reasons or lies you believed which caused your procrastination?
Tell yourself the truth to help you possess your God-given destiny.