I wanted to share something a bit different this time.

This year, I am trying to read through the whole Bible. I have read through the New Testament several times. However, when I read the Old Testament, I usually struggle getting through Leviticus.

But this year, I wanted to go through the whole Bible and do it chronologically. I also listen to it in the car on my way to or from work. It has helped me get past the parts that were difficult to get through.

I am also finding that I’m remembering different parts and seeing how it all fits together. However, a couple of weeks ago, something caught my attention and has stuck with me.

At the end of Joshua, the Israelites are able to cast lots for their inheritance. They drive out the rest of the inhabitants in their allotment and take possession of the land.

But in Judges, the tribe of Dan took possession of their land.

That caught me. I thought, “I thought they already did that in Joshua.”

In Joshua 19, Dan was given their territory on paper.

But in Judges 18, it says,
“In those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking a place of their own where they might settle, because they had not yet come into inheritance among the tribes of Israel.”

Wait… what?

They were literally given their inheritance.

But in Judges 1, we see that the Amorites forced the Danites into the hill country. They didn’t occupy the land that was given to them.

So what did the Danites do instead?

They found an easier target, conquered it, and renamed the place Dan (Judges 18).

God gave them their inheritance, but they didn’t take it. They didn’t fully step into what God gave them.

And that stuck with me.

Because I think we do that now.

Ephesians 1:13–14 says,
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance…”

We, as Christians, have been given an inheritance.

When we are in Christ, we have:

• Peace
• Identity
• Authority
• Forgiveness
• Joy
• Purpose
• Access to God
• Eternal life

But just like the tribe of Dan, we face resistance. Not from people, but spiritual opposition.

Ephesians 6:12 says,
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers… against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Enemies in the land today look like:

• Fear
• Shame
• Addiction
• Bitterness
• Condemnation
• Trauma-driven lies
• Passivity
• Unbelief

What we tolerate will occupy territory that was meant for us.

So, much like the tribe of Dan, we look for easier “land.”

We choose:

• Coping instead of healing
• Comfort instead of growth (God has been working on me about this!)
• Image instead of transformation
• Distraction instead of devotion
• Temporary relief instead of lasting freedom

But just because it is easier does not mean it is ordained.

Jesus purchased the inheritance. We did nothing to earn it.

But we still have to walk in it.

We have to stop living like squatters in our own promise.

We have to take possession of what God has already given us.