(By Rachel Joyce)
How are you doing with living in the good of your inheritance?
As Christians, we have a “priceless inheritance” both present and future (Ephesians 1:11,1 Peter 1:4). One day, when we leave this life and see Jesus face-to-face, we will receive the pure and undefiled inheritance that is kept in heaven for us, which is our glorious hope and reward. But while we are still living on this sin-scarred earth, God has provided many blessings — an inheritance that is ours because we belong to Him. Because we are in Christ, every spiritual blessing is ours (Ephesians 1:3).
The problem is we often don’t live in the good of the blessings Jesus died to give us.
I love how God has given us pictures in the Old Testament to help us live out the truths of the New. In my daily reading the other week, these verses deeply impacted me:
“The men of Judah said to their relatives from the tribe of Simeon, ‘Join with us to fight against the Canaanites living in the territory allotted to us. Then we will help you conquer your territory.’ So the men of Simeon went with Judah. When the men of Judah attacked, the LORD gave them victory over the Canaanites and Perizzites” (Judges 1:3-4).
God had given His people an inheritance in the promised land, but there were battles to be fought so they could live in the good of their inheritance. And the people of Judah realized what the preacher of Ecclesiastes wrote: “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). So instead of moving forward to claim their inheritance alone, they enlisted the help of their brothers.
Together they were stronger.
Together they routed the enemy and claimed their promised land.
King David understood this principle and lived it out as well. Shortly after becoming king, he stood side-by-side with Eleazer in a barley field as the Philistines attacked. The rest of the Israelites had fled, but these two “held their ground in the middle of the field and beat back the Philistines” (1 Chronicles 11:14).
Together they defended the ground God had given them.
Together they were victorious.
You have been given land that the enemy does not want you to possess. Paul reminds us, “Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God” (Ephesians 1:11). And he prayed, “May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins” (Colossians 1:11-14).
God has given you an inheritance and wants you to possess it. You have been freed from the power of sin and God calls you to walk in the freedom He has given you (Galatians 5:1). He has given you peace (Romans 5:1). Joy is yours because your sins were forgiven when you trusted Jesus (Romans 4:7). And love surrounds you…you are deeply loved by your Father.
How are you doing with living in the good of your inheritance?
For many years, my inheritance was more of a dream than a reality. God knew I needed a sister to draw alongside to help me live in the good of all God had for me. Chronic pain had depleted my strength and hope. Joy was practically nonexistent. My peace was overrun by fear and I felt so unworthy of being loved that I had a hard time receiving it.
God used one of His loving daughters to draw alongside me, to stand shoulder-to-shoulder and do battle so that I could live in the good of His inheritance. She told me about a good counselor who, through godly counsel, was able to reposition me to receive God’s grace. She gave me a good Bible study that was life-changing for me. And she loved me.
I would not be where I am today without her.
How about you? Where are you and what do you need to live out what God has made you for? He desires you to enjoy all that He has for you. If you don’t have another sister who is there for you, then ask Him for one.
Pray fervently and trust Him to work. Rest in His love and acceptance. Lay hold of His promises and don’t let the enemy stand on the ground God has given you. It is yours and you are His, deeply loved and cherished by the Lord God Almighty.
In Him, you will be victorious.