Progress

So Joshua conquered the entire region—the hill country, the entire Negev, the whole area around the town of Goshen, the western foothills, the Jordan Valley, the mountains of Israel, and the Galilean foothills.  The Israelite territory now extended all the way from Mount Halak, which leads up to Seir in the south, as far north as Baal-gad at the foot of Mount Hermon in the valley of Lebanon. Joshua killed all the kings of those territories, waging war for a long time to accomplish this.  No one in this region made peace with the Israelites except the Hivites of Gibeon. All the others were defeated.  For the Lord hardened their hearts and caused them to fight the Israelites. So they were completely destroyed without mercy, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

  During this period Joshua destroyed all the descendants of Anak, who lived in the hill country of Hebron, Debir, Anab, and the entire hill country of Judah and Israel. He killed them all and completely destroyed their towns.  None of the descendants of Anak were left in all the land of Israel, though some still remained in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod.

  So Joshua took control of the entire land, just as the Lord had instructed Moses. He gave it to the people of Israel as their special possession, dividing the land among the tribes. So the land finally had rest from war." (Joshua 11:16-23)






Although the conquest of much of the land of Canaan seems to have happened quickly, it actually took 7 years!  We often expect quick changes in our lives or quick victories over sin.  But our journey with God is a lifelong process.  Because changes and victories take time, many people grow impatient with God and feel like giving up hope.  Are you wondering whether or not you see any progress in your life?  Hold on to hope!  One day you'll look back at this point in your life and be amazed at how much progress actually took place!