How Long Will You Delay Possessing the Land?

How long will you remain in spiritual babyhood instead of being filled with the Spirit? How long will you delay stepping into the abundant life God has promised?

Joshua 18:3 asks, “How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?” Likewise, in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Paul rebukes the believers for their immaturity, calling them babes in Christ, unable to bear strong meat. Hebrews 5:12-14 echoes the same warning—by now, they should be teachers, yet they still need milk.

These scriptures point to a serious spiritual condition. The Israelites had received the promise of Canaan, yet they hesitated at the border. Many Christians today do the same. They are saved, yet they linger on the edges of a victorious, Spirit-filled life, never fully taking hold of what God has given them.

From Egypt to Canaan: A Call to Maturity

Israel’s journey from Egypt to Canaan is more than history—it is an allegory of our spiritual walk. Egypt represents sin and bondage. The wilderness signifies struggle and testing. Canaan symbolizes the fullness of life in Christ—victory, power, and holiness. Yet, many settle at the entrance, refusing to go deeper.

Joshua and Caleb were the only spies who believed in God’s promise, yet the people followed the fearful majority. The Israelites had seen miracles, yet they balked at the giants in the land. Today, many see God’s power yet refuse to fully surrender. They acknowledge salvation but resist sanctification. They want the blessings of Canaan but fear the battles required to possess it.

Halfway Obedience is Disobedience

Israel’s history proves that incomplete obedience leads to stagnation. After initial victories, they stopped short. They let enemies remain instead of fully driving them out. Joshua 17:12-18 tells of the tribes who hesitated because the enemy had chariots of iron. Joshua challenged them, saying, “You are a great people. Drive them out.”

Likewise, many Christians tolerate spiritual enemies. Pride, fear, laziness, unbelief—these giants remain unchallenged in our lives. We are called to wage war against sin, yet we settle for less than full victory. We enjoy spiritual blessings but resist total surrender.

Spiritual Babyhood is Not Normal

Paul warned the Corinthians against remaining spiritual infants. They had gifts but lacked depth. They argued over preachers, sought status, and boasted in liberties instead of pursuing holiness. This describes much of modern Christianity—shallow, divided, self-centered, more focused on personal freedom than godly obedience.

Many assume holiness comes with time, but true spiritual growth comes through obedient faith. Some believers mature quickly because they surrender fully. Others remain weak for decades because they refuse to go deeper. If we are still easily offended, self-focused, or worldly-minded, we are not walking in the fullness of Christ.

You Were Saved for More

God did not save you to remain at the entrance of Canaan. He called you to advance, to possess the land, to drive out every enemy of your soul. Too many are satisfied with the bare minimum—saved but powerless, forgiven but fruitless. Christ offers more.

Hebrews 4:8-9 speaks of a deeper rest, a greater victory. Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you… apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5). If you are not abiding in Him, if you are not pressing into the life of holiness and power He offers, then you are like Israel—camping at the border instead of conquering the land.

The Time is Now

How long will you delay? What excuses are you making? What giants are you fearing? God has already promised victory. The question is: Will you rise up in faith and take it?

Caleb silenced the fearful report and declared, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30). That same spirit of faith is required today. Stop hesitating. Stop making excuses. Take the land.

The call is clear: Leave spiritual infancy behind. Cast off carnality. Lay aside fear. Move into the fullness of God’s promise. The time is now. Will you step in?