We have heard about the promise land; how the people of Israel were led by Moses out of Egypt, through the wilderness, to possess their promised land. Some how, you have equally been told about your own promised land. The question is; does the Promised Land really exist? What is it all about? How do we possess our promised land? What misconceptions do exist about the Promised Land?
I will begin by saying that, the Promised Land is a fact, but not like most of us think. That is the reason for our title, “Misconceptions about the promised land." There exist several misconceptions about the Promised Land. I will enumerate a few:
i) The Promised Land is a destiny of rest and pleasure.
ii) The promised land is a place of welfare.
iii) A place of no challenges.
iv) A place where you have just everything you want.
v) A place where God does everything for you.
The above are myths about the Promised Land which demands for urgent address. The Promised Land is not for lazy and pleasure seeking people; it is not a place of welfare, but of warfare. It is a destiny only guaranteed for resilient fighters due to the challenges it poses to those who dream of entering there. It is not a place you have just everything you desire, but where you use the available to achieve the desirable.
Don’t expect manna in the Promised Land nor water from the rock. There, if you want flour, you would've to plant wheat, if you desire water, you would've to dig wells, if you want milk, you would've to milked cows, and if you want honey, you would've to visit the beehive, confront the bees to access honey. God does nothing for you in the Promised Land, but through you. Thus, the Promised Land is simply when responsibility meets with opportunity.
The land called the Promised Land in biblical days was a barren land, inhabited by hostile nations. The children of Israel fought their way through; every inch of land was contended for. They didn't just sail through easily to possess their promised land. What the land of Israel is today is a function of the industrious attitude of the people of Israel. “Nothing works like work." Wishing for the promised land without accepting warfare, responsibility and work as indispensable principles of life, can turn anyone, any day into a witch. The fiercest battles of life are fought right in the Promised Land and not elsewhere. So, when next you think about the Promised Land, think in terms of responsibility meeting with opportunity.
Opportunities come to all; it is what we do with these opportunities which determine our destiny. Go for your promised land, by accepting responsibility to use the available to achieve the desirable. See you there! Dr.Benard Etta
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