Joshua 17

Room for more

but the mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong. ~ Joshua 17:18

  What if the very place that feels like “not enough” is actually the doorway to more than you imagined? It’s easy to look at what’s in front of you and think, this won’t work, this isn’t enough, I need something easier. But in today’s scripture reading, the people of Joseph felt limited. They saw obstacles instead of opportunity. They wanted more land, but they didn’t want the challenge that came with it. Joshua’s had the powerful response and basically told them, you already have what you need, now go take it, clear it, and possess it.

As children of God today, we can fall into that same mindset. We pray for increase, favor, and breakthrough, but when it comes wrapped in effort, stretching, or unfamiliar territory, we often hesitate. But God has already placed promise inside of what looks like pressure.

Here are three truths to take from this chapter and live out right where we are:

1. You may have more than you think

The tribe of Joseph believed their portion wasn’t enough, but Joshua reminded them of their strength and capability. Sometimes we underestimate what God has already placed in our hands.

In your daily life, this can look like feeling unqualified at work, overwhelmed in your calling, or unsure if you can handle what’s in front of you. Maybe you’re raising a family, managing responsibilities, or stepping into something new, and you’re thinking, I don’t have enough time, energy, or ability.

But God has already equipped you. Instead of asking for something different, start using what you already have by faith? For example, instead of doubting your ability to lead that project, step in with confidence, trusting that God will guide you as you go. Don’t wait to feel ready, you move forward knowing He’s with you.

2. Growth often comes disguised as work

The land they were given had forests that needed to be cleared and enemies that needed to be driven out. It wasn’t ready made, it required effort.

We live in a world that loves quick results and easy paths, but God often works through process. That thing you’re walking through right now that feels like hard work, may actually be preparation for expansion.

Maybe you’re working on rebuilding something, your faith, your confidence, your relationships, or even your finances. It feels slow and maybe even frustrating, but every step you take is clearing ground for something greater.

For example, choosing to spend time in God’s Word when you’re tired, or showing kindness when it’s not returned, or continuing to believe when you haven’t seen results yet, that’s  how you clear the forest and over time, you’ll see that what once felt like work has become your testimony.

3. Don’t shrink back from what God has promised

Joshua didn’t tell them to settle, he told them to go further. To its farthest extent, it will be yours. That means there was more available, but they had to be willing to step into it. As God’s children, we’re not called to live small or hold back out of fear. Sometimes we limit ourselves because we’re comfortable or because we’re afraid of what it might take.

In your life, this could mean stepping out in faith in an area you’ve been avoiding. Maybe it’s sharing your story, starting something new, trusting God in a deeper way, or letting go of something that’s been holding you back.

For example, you may feel prompted to encourage someone, serve in a new way, or pursue something God placed on your heart a long time ago. Instead of overthinking it, you take that step. That’s how you begin to walk into the fullness of what God has for you.

I remember a time in my life when I felt like what I had in front of me just wasn’t enough. I was overwhelmed, unsure, and honestly a little afraid. I was on my own and had moved away from everyone I had know up to that point.  I carried so many concerns about provision, about the future, about whether I could really do what was required of me. It felt like I was standing in a forest with no clear path.

But little by little, I started trusting God with what I had. I took steps when I didn’t feel ready. I leaned into His Word and allowed it to strengthen me. Over time, what once looked impossible became something I could walk through with confidence. God didn’t just meet my needs, He expanded my capacity and showed me that there was more in me because He was with me.

Today I want to encourage you, what feels like not enough in your life right now may actually be the beginning of more. God has already given you ground to take, strength to use, and purpose to walk out. Don’t be discouraged by what looks like work or resistance. Step into it, trust Him in it, and watch how He expands your territory in ways you never expected.

Today’s scripture reading: Joshua 17

1 There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph: namely for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war; therefore he was given Gilead and Bashan. 

2 And there was a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, the children of Helek, the children of Asriel, the children of Shechem, the children of Hepher, and the children of Shemida; these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families.

3 But Zelophehad the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters. And these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 

4 And they came near before Eleazar the priest, before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the rulers, saying, “The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” Therefore, according to the commandment of the Lord, he gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers. 

5 Ten shares fell to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side of the Jordan, 

6 because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons; and the rest of Manasseh’s sons had the land of Gilead.

7 And the territory of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethath, that lies east of Shechem; and the border went along south to the inhabitants of En Tappuah. 

8 Manasseh had the land of Tappuah, but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim. 

9 And the border descended to the Brook Kanah, southward to the brook. These cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh. The border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook; and it ended at the sea.

10 Southward it was Ephraim’s, northward it was Manasseh’s, and the sea was its border. Manasseh’s territory was adjoining Asher on the north and Issachar on the east. 

11 And in Issachar and in Asher, Manasseh had Beth Shean and its towns, Ibleam and its towns, the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, the inhabitants of En Dor and its towns, the inhabitants of Taanach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns—three hilly regions. 

12 Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities, but the Canaanites were determined to dwell in that land. 

13 And it happened, when the children of Israel grew strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not utterly drive them out.

More Land for Ephraim and Manasseh

14 Then the children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given us only one lot and one share to inherit, since we are a great people, inasmuch as the Lord has blessed us until now?”

15 So Joshua answered them, “If you are a great people, then go up to the forest country and clear a place for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and the giants, since the mountains of Ephraim are too confined for you.”

16 But the children of Joseph said, “The mountain country is not enough for us; and all the Canaanites who dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both those who are of Beth Shean and its towns and those who are of the Valley of Jezreel.”

17 And Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—saying, “You are a great people and have great power; you shall not have only one lot, 

18 but the mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong.”

Journal:

• What areas of my life feel like “not enough” right now, and how might God be inviting me to see them differently
• What has God already placed in my hands that I can begin to use with greater faith
• Where is God asking me to take a step forward instead of holding back