They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor.
Joshua 16:10 (NIV)
Master as I move into the first day of this work week my heart is reminded that half obedience is no obedience at all. I confess that many times I have been tempted to compromise, to not fully lean into what You are calling me to do in the moment. I rationalize my actions by either telling myself that where I am is good enough, playing up what I have done to this point, believing that it more than makes up for what I haven’t done. Oftentimes I even redefine in my head what faithfulness looks like. How many times have I thought, regarding Your requirement of me to put something out of my life, that having it subjected to me is good enough, that I could “redeem” it? Yet, as I can see in Your Word regarding the troubles that the Children of Israel faced in the Book of Judges, nothing short of full obedience is good. What I allow to linger will shape me, will corrupt me.
So, as I begin this day, I pray for eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that yields. Forgive me for all the areas where I have not been fully obedient to Your calling. Show me the errors in my thinking, those places where I rationalize compromising, and prick my conscience. Don’t allow me to get comfortable with almost. Instead, continue to remind me of the blessings that await me on the other side of faithfulness, and Your displeasure when I am not. As I bring my flesh into submission to Your Holy Spirit, give me the endurance to hold fast to what I know is true, and to never compromise on obedience, no matter the cost. For in the end, there awaits me a crown of righteousness. And I want to cast it at Your feet in worship!
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming and making up the difference in those areas where I fall short. Thank You for satisfying what I will never be able to satisfy on this side of eternity. I lean into You, Your sacrifice, and Your precious promises. Strengthen and empower me to walk in a manner that pleases You. Work in me to hold fast to Your ways. Forgive me when I falter and pick me up when I fall down. Grant me the grace that I so desperately need to do, and continue to do, Your good work in me that I might live a life that is faithful, obedient and pleasing to You to Your glory. Amen.