What if we received notification that we possess the rights to a massive estate. Would we claim our inheritance? Whether we realize it or not, we have been given just such an opportunity. What will we do?
After careful investigation, we would probably verify the potential and proceed to stake our claim. But what if taking possession of the inheritance demanded extreme effort or involved high risk? What if it required us to step into situations we’ve never experienced or feel unqualified to do? We might have to fight for it, defend it, or develop new skills to exercise it.
To possess our full potential rarely, if ever, comes easy, served on a silver platter. Consequently, few rarely achieve full potential. The children of Israel give us a perfect example.
“See, the LORD your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 1:21
God explicitly defined the inheritance. He unequivocally tells them it is theirs for the taking. Yet history proves they never fully took possession of what God had given to them.
A Gift
We often view boundaries as limitations. But God establishes wide boundaries for us. David sang,
“He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.”
Psalm 18:19
In Psalm 31:8, he rephrased it. “You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.” The inheritance God offers us, not just for eternity, but now, spreads farther and wider than we could imagine.
This weekend I attended a prestigious art show, including the best works of the best artists who display in the best galleries across our province. I came away disappointed. Though the artistry within many pieces was clearly visible, something was lacking. As a amateur artist, I sensed a missing ingredient through these skilled and acclaimed artisans— something that training and natural ability cannot provide.
For them and for us, to possess our full potential, we must claim our inheritance in and through Christ. That complete inheritance comes only by cooperating with and through the Holy Spirit’s divine leading and insight. It’s a gift! A divine opportunity grasped by many, even though it is available to all.
This isn’t about art but applies to every aspect of life. Working with God and in obedience to Him will open access to potential no one and nothing else could offer.
Go Up
This may seem obvious, but we only receive our inheritance by reaching for and laying hold of it. Though a gift from God, we must rise to the occasion to accept it.
As long as Israel walked with God and followed His leading, they succeeded. They began well. They achieved much. But they settled for less. Too soon, they forgot to fight and cushioned themselves in comfort.
Several years ago, after an mental breakdown, my counsellor said, “Healing may cost you more than you are willing to pay. It may even cost you your marriage.” But after decades of walking in the desert of depression, I knew I couldn’t turn back. It was all or nothing — life or death. Whatever it took, I headed toward freedom and wholeness.
God beckons us forward — to leave the desert of whatever has held us back. For each of us adversity looks different. But the way the enemy uses it to steal, kill, and destroy our potential will bear similarities. It’s time! Let’s all go up and claim our inheritance.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.”
Isaiah 60:1
Take Possession
The smallest child creates ingenious ways to reach cookies on even the highest shelf. They stretch their limits, pursuing their desire with undistracted focus. Who among us dares to take that cookie out of the hand of a child? Good luck!!! Once they have taken possession, you can expect screaming, kicking, and flailing to maintain their grasp. Adult size and strength fail to intimidate them. Am I right?
We aren’t fighting for cookies! We fight a battle for a much more significant potential — to claim our inheritance. I am grieved over how much potential I have left to pursue so late in life. Whether young or not-so-young, God prompts all who will listen, “Go up and take possession.”
Like a fearless child, let’s reach for and grasp all God has for us and for our children after us. The effect of our efforts reaches far beyond ourselves. Our victory will become the victory of others.
“Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 1:21
Once that little child tastes a cookie, cookies are all they want. Once we taste the goodness and generosity of God, nothing else will satisfy. Fear won’t stop us! Discouragement won’t stand in our way!
May we learn a lesson from those who quit too soon and settled for mediocrity (Joshua 17). May we possess a willingness to do whatever God calls us to do and to go wherever He calls us to go. It’s not too late to claim our inheritance.
Prayer
Father, we come asking, seeking, and knocking. We come, claiming our inheritance. You have promised us more than we presently experience. Strengthen our feeble faith as we press into more of You in every dimension. We break agreement with apathy, refusing to settle for less. We choose to cooperate with Heaven’s agenda and God’s purpose until we reach our full kingdom potential. Because You have made us strong and courageous, we cancel all alignment with fear and discouragement. You have made us strong and courageous. We lift our eyes beyond adversity to You, for You are where our help comes from. May the world be astounded as You unleash Your inheritance to and through us, seeing Your kingdom come on Earth as it is in Heaven. We lay aside excuses and abandon comfort. Picking up the weapons of warfare, we set our sights to take possession of all You have for us. We are here to claim our inheritance. No matter what it takes. We will not turn around or back down now!
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