Conquering What Remains

March 25, 2025
Daily Devotion & Scripture Insights

Morning: Joshua 14-15
Evening: Luke 4:33-44

Caleb’s story in Joshua 14 is one of faith and perseverance—he fully trusted God to give him the land He had promised. But in Joshua 15:63, we see a tragic contrast: “As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.”

This verse is sobering because it reminds us of what happens when we allow certain things to remain in our lives that God has called us to overcome. The children of Judah had the power of God on their side, yet they did not fully conquer the land. The Jebusites remained, becoming a constant source of trouble until King David finally drove them out (2 Samuel 5:6-7).

Many times, we tolerate habits, doubts, and sins that we assume we cannot overcome. Instead of fully trusting God to remove them, we let them “dwell with us,” weakening our faith and holding us back. But Jesus came to set us free, to break every stronghold, and to lead us into complete victory. If we believe God for the promise, we must also believe Him for the power to fully possess it.

Key Insights

  1. Partial Obedience Leads to Ongoing Struggles – The children of Judah did not drive out the Jebusites completely, and it became an issue for generations. Likewise, if we allow sin or bad habits to remain, they will hinder our spiritual growth.
  2. Faith is the Key to Overcoming – Caleb succeeded because he wholly followed the Lord (Joshua 14:14). True victory comes when we trust God completely.
  3. Jesus Came to Give Us Complete Deliverance – Just as David later conquered the Jebusites, Jesus is our King who gives us the power to overcome the strongholds in our lives.
  4. Compromise Leads to Bondage – The Jebusites dwelled among God’s people because they did not take full authority. When we compromise, sin gains a foothold in our lives.
  5. Victory Requires Action – God had already given the land to the children of Judah, but they needed to step out in faith. Our battles require both trust in God and obedient action.

Connection to Other Scripture

  • Romans 6:12 (KJV): “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.”
  • 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (KJV): “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God.”
  • Hebrews 12:1 (KJV): “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

Questions to Reflect On

  1. Are there any “Jebusites” in my life—things I have tolerated instead of overcoming?
  2. What habits or sins am I allowing to remain that God wants me to remove?
  3. Do I truly believe that God has given me victory, or am I settling for partial freedom?
  4. How can I step out in faith and take action against spiritual strongholds in my life?
  5. Am I compromising in any area where God has already called me to be fully obedient?

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I don’t want to leave any strongholds in my life that You have called me to conquer. Give me the faith and strength to fully trust in Your power. Help me not to compromise or allow sin, fear, or doubt to dwell with me. I want to walk in complete victory, just as You have promised. Lord, remove anything in my heart that does not align with Your will, and fill me with the courage to move forward in faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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