Faithful in the Unfinished
I hope you all enjoyed your Memorial Day weekend this past week!
It wouldn’t be a holiday weekend without deciding to complete a home project with the “extra time…” and we all know that extra time ends up not feeling so extra.
Our home project entails remodeling our downstairs bedroom. This came to be an idea as we need more space for Reverent Awe… so yes there is a business angle here! We set out to remove the carpet, lay down LVP flooring, install new baseboards, paint, install a new vanity, lighting, and furniture. Easy peasy, right?
This was the plan. And as we know:
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
We are a week into this project, and it can feel overwhelming that it is not completed. It can quickly turn into discouragement about how much has been done — or rather, how much hasn’t been done. We set out a plan each day of what we wanted to accomplish, and most times, we did not get as much done as we wanted to. That can become frustrating and discouraging and even creep into the mind that we just want to give up altogether.
But as I was reading in Joshua this week, the Lord met me, as He always does in His kindness.
This isn’t the main point of the post, but if you think the Old Testament can’t encourage you like the New Testament, let me challenge you! Both are equally important and filled with wisdom. I’ve always gravitated toward the New Testament because it felt easier to apply, but reading the Old Testament as one unfolding story this year has been so fruitful. It continually points to God’s faithfulness through generations and strengthens our faith as we stand firm in Jesus Christ.
Back to the main point — I specifically was reading Joshua 12–14. For reference, these chapters deal with Israel reviewing its victories and beginning to divide the Promised Land among the tribes. The chapters emphasize God’s faithfulness and highlight Caleb, who receives Hebron for his lifelong faith and obedience.
What could God be saying to me through this? And how could He connect it to my current home project? I believe it is reminding us of what God is calling us to.
God calls us to…
1. Keep Possessing the Land
“Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, ‘You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess.’” Joshua 13:1
“There remains yet very much land to possess” — this could feel defeating because there’s more work to be done, or it can be powerful knowing that even after victory, God still has more for us. There is always more growth, surrender, and trust.
Not sure if this is my own perfectionism and constant battle with my to-do list, but it is hard when there remains more work to be done. I constantly feel this striving to get everything checked off and completed.
But who am I to feel this way in my faith with the Creator who is ordaining every step and breath I take? I should be excited that there is more work to be done, knowing God is using it all to make me more like Christ and to see more souls saved.
I love that “even after victory,” God still has more for us. It reminds us of the mission of God and the purpose of our lives. Because think about it — even if salvation was the only victory, why would we be left on this earth? Wouldn’t we be taken to glory the same second we confess Jesus as Lord?
Yet we remain. Why? Because God still has work to be done, and He delights in using us to be a part of His Kingdom come.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
There is so much encouragement and power in the idea that there is more land to be possessed: more strongholds to be broken, more freedom to be experienced, more souls to be saved.
I pray I have a heart that can see this work to be done as a blessing and a privilege instead of a burden, fixating on the promise that God will bring it to ultimate completion on the day of Jesus Christ!
2. Depend on His Faithfulness
“I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming.” Joshua 14:11
Caleb’s strength was not found in talent, success, or ability, but in faithful obedience as he wholly followed the Lord. His strength did not remain because of his own ability, but because he depended on the Lord’s constant and enduring faithfulness.
“His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.” Psalm 147:10–11
God doesn’t want our medals; He wants our heart. It is not ultimately about the work to be done, but about walking in obedience and faith. The promise is ours, just as it was for Israel.
This to-do list is not about achievement, but about a heart seeking after what God wants. It can be easy to ride the highs and lows of our human strength — feeling close to God in one moment and struggling the next. But our foundation is not built on feelings; it is secured in the promises of God!
Don’t mistake something being unfinished for God being unfaithful.
As we know the relief and joy that come when a project is completed, how much greater will it be on the day we see Jesus face to face? That day is our fuel. That day is why we can stand in reverent awe of Him and place our hope in His steadfast love — because He is faithful.
When the work feels heavy, remember: it was never yours to carry alone. Recall the Lord’s faithfulness, depend on His daily provision, and ask His Spirit to guide you.
There is still very much land to possess, and the Lord Himself will lead us through it.
Have questions, need prayer or want to engage, leave a comment below or contact us via email at info@reverentawe.com