I was chatting with a friend last week, and he made a comment that got me thinking. He mentioned this person he knew moving into a new situation thinking they’d reached the “promised land,” but they found a place of struggle instead. They didn’t stay long.

As soon as he said it, it was like this light in my brain switched on – not with a new thought exactly, but a fresh revelation of something I’ve known for ages. The Promised Land was not a place without struggle. We tend to equate times of difficulty with the wilderness, and the wilderness certainly brings its own issues of uncertainty and the need for faith. But the land of promise is where battles await.

Yes, the land that God promised His people was filled with abundance and blessings, but it was not a gift where they could simply waltz in and built new lives. “One does not simply walk into [Canaan].” 😉 It was a land that had to be claimed, a land with battles to be fought and obstacles to be overcome before it was fully theirs.

Leaving the wilderness is exciting, and heading to a place of promise is a journey worth celebrating, but we cannot make that journey without recognizing that battles must still be fought.

Since moving to Derry/Londonderry, I have fought a number of battles with doubts, fears, lies about my abilities and worth, insecurities. There were physical obstacles to settling in when I first arrived, but most of the “battles” have been waged in my heart and mind. To be honest, I doubt they are over. I’m sure other “enemies” and lies will try to keep me from taking hold of everything God has for me in this land.

Leaving the wilderness also means working to take advantage of the promised abundance. As soon as Israel crossed into the land of Canaan and began to eat of its crops, the manaa God had fed His people for forty years was never seen again. While the Israelites seldom recognized and appreciated God’s provision during the wilderness years, He met them in unique ways and provided all that they needed during that time.

As they moved into the place of their inheritance, the provision changed. Not only were there battles to fight, but also work to be done to cultivate the land in order to eat. Suddenly, the promises of God look like a lot of work…

I feel I’m moving into the land God has promised, the place of abundance, and it is going to be work, and even a fight at times, to take possession of all that He has for me here. I also know it will be worth it and all the battles are already won because He is present in them. The best of all the promises He has given is His constant presence.

Whether you find yourself being chased down by your past bondage, wandering in the wilderness of delay, or moving to take possession of all that God has promised, His best promise is always valid for wherever you’re at. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).