PREPARING FOR CONQUEST

KEY VERSE
“But the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.’” (Joshua 5:9)

INTRODUCTION

After crossing the Jordan River, the Israelites camped at a place called Gilgal, located near the city of Jericho. Gilgal became their base camp during the invasion of the Promised Land. While the women, children, and flocks stayed behind, the men moved forward to battle. It was at Gilgal that they prepared for their conquest—a place of spiritual significance where they would align their hearts and spirits for the challenges ahead.

MESSAGE

Gilgal was more than just a physical location. It was a spiritual base. Joshua and the people of Israel, having spent forty years in the wilderness, were now positioned at the gateway to their Promised Land. The wilderness journey had prepared them physically, mentally, and materially, but now, they needed spiritual preparation to fully possess what God had promised.

• Physically, they had endured the hardships of the wilderness and had become strong and resilient.
• Materially, they carried with them the wealth of Egypt—the spoils from their time of exodus.
• Mentally, the new generation was ready, having learned to trust and obey God rather than doubting or retreating.

But even with all of this preparation, the Israelites still needed spiritual preparation to step into their divine inheritance. God’s plan for their lives required them to be spiritually aligned with His will.

This spiritual preparation is something we must all go through before entering into the fullness of God’s promises. When God gives us a vision, we often want to rush in and start right away. However, there is always a season of preparation before the fulfillment of that vision. Consider the examples in Scripture:

• Noah prepared the ark long before the flood came.
• Joseph prepared for the lean years during seven years of plenty.
• Moses spent forty years in the desert before God used him to deliver Israel.
• The disciples waited in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came to empower them.
• Apostle Paul retreated into Arabia to be prepared for his ministry.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SPIRITUAL PREPARATION

Preparation is not a sign of delay, but of divine timing. Just because God has given you a vision does not mean it will be fulfilled immediately. The journey toward divine destiny requires preparation, often extensive and lengthy preparation. Without it, we risk stepping into something prematurely, ill-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that will come our way.

At Gilgal, four significant spiritual events took place that prepared the Israelites to fully step into their divine destiny. These events serve as powerful reminders of how we, too, must prepare spiritually to take hold of our spiritual inheritance. Over the next few days, we will meditate on these key events and learn how they can guide us in our own spiritual preparation.

CONCLUSION

Just as the Israelites could not conquer the Promised Land without proper spiritual preparation, neither can we expect to walk in the fullness of God’s promises without first aligning ourselves with His will. Preparation is essential. Let us take the time to prepare our hearts, minds, and spirits to receive all that God has for us.

PRACTICAL REFLECTION

Are you in a season of preparation for something greater? If so, take time today to reflect on what God is doing in your life. Ask Him to reveal the areas where you need to grow, mature, and align more fully with His plans for your life.

SIMPLE SUMMARY

Before stepping into your God-given destiny, spiritual preparation is essential. Like the Israelites at Gilgal, you must allow God to prepare your heart and spirit to receive the fullness of His promises. Trust in His timing and be faithful in the season of preparation.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, help me to trust in Your timing and not rush into the fulfillment of my vision.
2. Father, prepare my heart and spirit for the great things You have planned for me.
3. Holy Spirit, guide me through this season of preparation and help me grow in faith, wisdom, and strength.

FURTHER STUDY

• Joshua 4:19-24
• Joshua 5:1-12
• Psalm 37:4-5
• Isaiah 40:31
• James 1:2-4