Devotional Blog Monday, October 17

Daily Devotional for Monday, October 17 

Incomplete Victories

When God gifted the Promised Land to Israel, He left them specific instructions to conquer the inhabitants and take possession of the land. Along with these instructions, Israel was to destroy the idols and places of worship to false gods. As the tribes began to settle in their apportioned lands, some did not fully obey God. By allowing wicked nations to remain in the land, they were living with incomplete victories. God promised them victory over their enemies if they would fight in faith. Yet sometimes Israel lost battles because they did not fight in faith. Other times, they lost battles because they did not fight. 

Time would tell the tale that these wicked nations would begin to influence the people of Israel with their wicked practices and worship to false gods. God knew that for Israel to have total victory, they would have to drive out the inhabitants of the land. Thus, ridding them of unholy influence. But some of the tribes did not follow through with God’s order, leaving them with incomplete victories. 

Modern day believers also struggle with the same impulses to stop fighting against sinful influences and allowing them to remain in our lives. God has told us time and time again in His Word that we ought not to allow unholy influences to remain in our lives. Yet, we, like the tribes of Israel, sometimes do not fight until the victory is complete. When we allow sinful influences to remain, we will be constantly tempted and turned aside from God’s plan for complete victory in our lives.

THOUGHT : Do not allow unholy influences to remain in the borders of your spiritual life. Enjoy a complete victory by purging your life of anything or anyone who would lead you from God.

Steven Ridings