TAKE TERRITORY
“Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory.”
– Joshua 1:2-4
Moses had led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and through the wilderness. After spending 40 years wandering in the desert, Moses died and was succeeded by Joshua, who then took on the task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. Anyone would think that after being delayed for 40 years, the Israelites would simply receive their inheritance and finally rest in the promises they had waited so long for.
Well, not exactly.
Even though God had promised the Israelites the land, they still had to fight for it — they had to take territory. It’s not a popular message when we talk about wildernesses and promised lands. Many of you have been comparing your lives to others, wondering why things have been so hard for you while others seem to have it “easy.”
Just because you’re out of the wilderness doesn’t mean you’re out of the warfare.
Now you have to take territory.
The Israelites recognised that they had to go to war to inherit the land God said was already theirs (the land promised from the time of Abraham) even while it was being occupied by other nations. They were also guaranteed victory if they obeyed the Lord’s commands. Sometimes God’s promises don’t simply fall into our laps — sometimes we actually have to do something to possess them.
Any territory left abandoned runs the risk of being occupied by something or someone else.
While I was preparing my notes, I heard God say to me, “I am raising up a Joshua-like generation.” These are people who live without compromise; they will not compromise in their obedience to God, even when tempted.
They are unshakeable in their convictions.
They are bold in their faith.
They are leaders and they will lead others into the promises God already has for them.
Not only that, but they are also willing to fight for those promises.
There is a standard required of both those who lead and of those who step into the promises of God. You cannot take territory out there if you have not first taken territory within your own being. You must first consecrate yourself. Your thoughts, your words, your disciplines and your actions must all be aligned with the will of God.
We cannot take territory and be reckless with our mouth.
We cannot take territory and still choose rebellion.
We cannot take territory and still slander and gossip.
We cannot take territory and be ruled by our flesh.
We cannot take territory and hold onto our idols.
When God told Joshua and the Israelites, “Consecrate yourselves,” it meant they couldn’t have anything in or amongst them that would have cost them their victory... Because you cannot continue to look like the enemy you’re trying to defeat.
For many of you, the battle for territory isn’t external — it’s internal. It’s in your mind and your inner thoughts. I also get the sense that some people have been deeply troubled by their emotions. The battle for territory must begin there. Before you look outwards and try to win battles out there, God is calling many of you to first look within, so that the external battles don’t destroy you.
This year, some of you will be taking territory in your family and your bloodline. Others will also be taking territory in the arts, mainstream media, politics, business, education and more. If you’re going to take territory in 2026, you’re going to need to:
1. Declare and meditate on the Word of God.
I saw how powerful people’s words will be in determining how their year unfolds in 2026. Towards the end of 2025, I kept hearing the words, “DO NOT COMPLAIN,” as another prophetic marker for 2026. It now makes sense.
Complaining and murmuring were what caused the Israelites to be delayed in the wilderness.
The Word of God will be your greatest sword. Instead of complaining, use the Scriptures to declare what aligns with all that God has promised you. Joshua 1:8 says:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
It’s interesting that it doesn’t say, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mind.” The people of God understood that His Word isn’t meant to be read in our minds alone, but declared with our mouths first, even before we feel like we believe it. The Bible also tells us, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” (Romans 10:17). One of the ways you begin to take territory is by using your mouth to speak the truth of God’s Word and His promises — even when circumstances look far from it.
2. Have courage.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9
Taking a stand against the works of darkness and taking territory requires great courage. God knew this, which is why He repeated the words “Be strong and courageous” at least three times in Joshua 1. We cannot complain about a world being full of darkness when many Christians have allowed darkness to increase by playing small and being timid. You can rise up. You can use your gifts, whatever they are, to bring light to the world and glorify Christ. It is not humble to play small when it comes to advancing against darkness.
False humility is evidence of territory given up.
Don’t shrink back. Don’t say it’s for the “really spiritual people.” You are the person for the job.
God wants you to advance, live in dominion and succeed this year. Make the decision that you will not get in your own way.
Take territory.