Joshua 1:1-7

               God has promised to give the children of Israel a land that is flowing with milk and honey, however, Israel must move forward to make claim of the promise. In moving forward Israel must decide to do three things, first, forget about the past, secondly, remember the promise, and thirdly, fight for the promise. In the same vein, the New Creation, born Again child of God has been given great and precious promises but moving forward is the only key to ensure possession of those promises.

               First, Israel must decide to put the past behind them. In Joshua 1:2, After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: 2 “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.” God led Israel out of the land of captivity by the hand of Moses. God performed unthinkable miracles through Moses, as a result, Israel’s hope and confidence were solely in Moses. Then God comes to Joshua and said, Moses is dead but rise and lead the people to the promise (paraphrase). Moses is dead but the promise is not. Joshua and the Israelites must understand that although Moses was great, but he is no more, and they must put that behind them and move forward. One cannot give up pressing forward to the promise just because the past favorable situations and people are no more. Some people are discouraged to move forward because they think that their glory days are already gone. Regardless, of how comfortable your past, you need to forget about it and move forward because God has so much more waiting for you.

               Second, Israel had to remember the promise because it was their only motivation to move forward. There will be no motivation for you to press forward if you take your eyes off the promises God has for you. The promise is your lighthouse and your vision. Remember God’s promises, specifically, the ones made to you from His word (The Bible), from visions, prophecies and from other ministrations of the Holy Spirit. Hold them clear and fresh on your mind knowing that “faithful is He that promised and He will do it”. In remembering the promises, one embraces the challenges of the present but with strong motivation to press forward. Anytime people remember God’s promise (s) to them it breathes new life and energy into their endeavor. He said, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. Moses might be gone, favorable situation or people might not be available, but He said, I will be with you. Remember, He said, He will never leave you or forsake you. Thus, you have every reason to Press forward into your promised land.

               Third, Israel must be ready to fight for the promise. Someone may ask, if the promise is mine, then why should I fight for it? Well, the promised land was occupied, and as such they must fight to drive out the occupants. The fact that the land is occupied does not mean it is not for you. The fact that the circumstances surrounding your promised land seems impossible does not mean that you should give up. Rather, it is time to move forward and fight for what is yours. He said, no one shall be able to stand before you. Therefore, with Him by your side, no mountain is too high, and no valley is so deep. Though the giants may be occupying your promised land but if you believe God’s word and dare to move forward, God will work with you and prove Himself strong on your behalf.

               Do not let gains or losses of your past stop your motivation to press forward. Remember the promise and let it be your drive to look forward with hope knowing that God’s Promises cannot fail. Roll up your sleeves and tighten your belt in readiness to press through any obstacle, praying and acting on His promises until victory comes. The Lord is your battle armor, so do not sit-down murmuring, complaining and pitying yourself. The battle belongs to the Lord. You are more than a conqueror! It’s just time to Press forward!