Take That City

In the Bible, we often see expressions like; take that country, take the city, conquer the land, own the territory. Take the city was a term used when the children of Israel were going to take AI and Jericho, the same term was used when they took over Jerusalem from the Jebusites. It literally means to dislodge the occupiers of a certain geographical location and then take over that same location and possess it as one’s own. Today, we are talking about taking or possessing that which the Lord has given unto us by promise, but which might be in the possession of another who is unwilling to release it to us. From such, we take it by faith that which the Lord has promised us for the year 2025.

The city may be a dream, a business, a project, a project, an appointment, your spouse, marriage, contract, ministry, finances, health, and other things that you know through the word of God has been fully given to you but which you are yet to possess in full.

As a believer, it is time to own that city. It has been given to you by God. You have arrived at the gates of the city, now you must take that city.

Many believers erroneously believe that they can take that city only by praying. Praying is good but you don’t rule a nation by prayer, you rule a nation with wisdom. The Children of Israel took Jericho by divine intervention, AI by outright war, and Jerusalem through the capture of their water cisterns. It is not one strategy that was used to fight every battle. Jehoshaphat used Praises to conquer, David fought many battles by bloodshed, Solomon used diplomacy, and victory comes through so many paths as illuminated by the Holy Spirit. It is important that we as believers are equipped with the right skill set and the right mindset to rule the city after taking it.

The children of Israel got to the promised land and divided the country, but some tribes refused to take full possession of their territories. Not because God did not fulfill his end of the bargain but because they lacked the mindset, and the skill set to

At the beginning of the year, the Lord said to us that 2025 is our “Year of Prevailing Visions” In order for the Word of God to be brought into a place of fulfillment in our lives, we must learn how to take heed to His instructions and develop the mindset that will enable us to fulfill our destiny in Christ. There are certain things you have to know to prevail as the Lord has said. One of them is holding fast to instructions. Heeding divine instructions is an integral path to greatness.

Joshua 3 tells us how the Israelites camped by the Jordan, waiting to cross the river. There, God spoke to Joshua, Moses’ successor, who was charged with the task of leading the children of Israel into the Promised Land. The Lord said to him, “…This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee” (Joshua 3:7). Then, in the very next verse, He gave Joshua an important instruction: “And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, when ye have come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan” (Joshua 3:8). Proverbs 4:13 says, “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.”

Oftentimes, God’s instructions may not sound logical, just like when He told Isaac, to stay back in Gerar at a time of famine and hardship. Everyone else was moving to Egypt, but God instructed Isaac to stay where he was. Isaac heeded and prospered in that land, in the same year of drought and famine. Genesis 26:13 tells us that he waxed great, made progress, grew until he became very great. He prospered so much that the Philistines envied him. God’s ways are different from man’s ways and that’s why it’s important to listen and follow His instructions and counsel. Never try to reason out His instructions in your head, for His wisdom is greater than man’s wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:25 tells us, “…the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” Think about that.

Divine instructions are for your life; so always take them seriously. A lack of understanding of spiritual truth and yielding to a fit of anger led to Moses’ grievous mistake that cost him leading the children of Israel into the Promised Land.

In Numbers 20:8, God instructed Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water for the children of Israel to drink. But when Moses got to the rock, instead of talking to the rock as God had said, he struck the rock with his rod. Water came out all right, but God was displeased with him. A previous instruction to Moses in Exodus 17:6 was for him to strike the rock for it to bring forth water, which he did, and water came out. But this time, the rock wasn’t to be smitten a second time, because that rock was Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4). Christ was to be smitten only once; after that, you talk to Him for whatever you want. Even though Moses acted in disobedience by striking the rock twice, water still came out. But it didn’t produce the result God wanted. That tells us something: It’s not about the result you want, it’s about what’s right in the sight of God. Is the Father pleased?

These things we read in the Scriptures are for our learning (Romans 15:4). Practice spiritual understanding, spiritual wisdom, and walking in the Spirit. That’s your call. Only if we live this way can we please the Lord in all things. Understand the truth behind His instructions and do them. Hallelujah!

Spiritual instructions may come to you in the most unexpected or unusual way but be prompt to obey. Never try to rationalize spiritual instructions with your mind; the wisdom of God is foolishness to men. Consider the Lord’s instructions to Joshua for instance.

After the death of Moses, God instructed Joshua to take over and subdue Jericho: “And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valor. And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus, shalt thou do six days. And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams’ horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat…” (Joshua 6:2-5).

From the natural standpoint, God’s instruction was an impossible feat for Joshua and the children of Israel. The thickness of the walls of Jericho was such that houses were built on them. But Joshua followed the Lord’s instructions, and the result was victory for the children of Israel. The Scripture says we are to receive instruction and not silver. The Word of God is God’s instruction manual for an extraordinary life of glory, dominion, and victory; so, don’t neglect the Word. The Bible says, “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life” (Proverbs 4:13). Don’t complain when you receive spiritual instructions, because with such instructions, come the ability to accomplish whatever God tells you to do.

Be conscious of this when responsibilities are given you, especially in the house of God. Once you’ve received the instruction to do something, recognize that you’ve received the ability for that task. Stir up the wisdom of God in you through speaking in tongues, and you’ll see pictures of possibilities and visions of success; the Holy Spirit will show you what to do, and how to accomplish the task.

God expects that when we receive His Word, we should live accordingly. When we have words in Scripture that show us principles of life or that give us definite instructions from God, we must take heed; we have to take such words seriously and live by them. His instructions make great. Life becomes challenging, a labyrinth of confusion for those who don’t follow God’s Word but would rather act on human wisdom and intelligence. Take for instance, the experience of Isaac in Genesis 26. He received an instruction from the Lord not to leave his country to Egypt, because of the famine in his country. People were migrating to Egypt at the time for greener pastures, so it made sense (human wisdom) that Isaac sought to leave Gerar to seek relief in Egypt. However, the Lord instructed him, saying, “… dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father” (Genesis 26:2-3). Isaac followed the Lord’s instruction, and the result is penned for us in Genesis 26:12-13: he grew, waxed great and became very great, so much so that the Philistines envied him in the same land that was impoverished by famine.

Follow the leading of God’s Spirit for your life. There’s no other way to greatness and a successful life besides following God’s plan, instructions, will and purpose for your life. It makes no difference the pressure you’re under, yield to the Spirit for answers; don’t make impulsive decisions that’d most certainly worsen the situation. Consult and trust Him for guidance. The Holy Spirit knows and has the blueprint for your greatness and prosperity. Your greatness is His plan and His idea. He said to Abraham, “…I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great, and thou shalt be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2). Never suppose that your greatness is dependent upon your work or anyone. As the seed of Abraham, greatness is in you, harnessed and brought to the fore as you follow God’s instructions and fulfill His purpose for your life.

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them… (Ephesians 2:10 AMPC) As one who’s born again, your life has been so excellently planned out and preordained by God. All He wants is for you follow the blueprint. For instance, marriage or bearing children, though of natural desire and blessing from God, are not necessarily God’s specific plan for everyone (Matthew 19:10-12; Isaiah 56:4; 1 Corinthians 7:1-40). Also, preaching the Gospel everywhere is Christ’s general instruction to all Christians, but He has specific plans and can forbid you from doing so at certain places or times (Acts 16:6-10).

Some people have given birth to children that probably should never have been born. You may find this surprising, but if you study the Scriptures well enough, you’ll understand. Someone might ask, “Doesn’t the Bible say that children are the heritage of the Lord?” That’s part of the reason you must find out from Him if the one you’re bringing forth is from Him. Some couples never asked God, “Are we supposed to have children?” They think once they marry, they must have children. Marriage isn’t necessarily for having children; that’s why it’s wise to pray and ask the Lord. A lady had three children, but before they’d grow to be fifteen years old, they died. You might wonder why God would allow her to go through such an ordeal. But the question you’re not asking is, “Were those children supposed to have come in the first place?” We must learn, through the spirit and the word the plan and purpose of God for our lives and how to walk therein.

There are things that many people go ahead to do in life even though they aren’t part of God’s agenda for them. They want to live their lives for the joy of other people; they want certain jobs, professions or positions because others are pressuring them to. As in all things, God wants to guide you. Don’t think He’ll be mute if you ask Him; you’ll be amazed at how fast and clearly, He’ll speak to you and give you the guidance you need. Never find yourself always insisting on what you want; ask God. You can be as happy as ever, fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. That’s the most important thing—discovering your purpose and fulfilling it.

-GSW-