Here is a list of the kings of the land that Joshua and the Israelites conquered: … the king of Bethel (Joshua 12:7, 16, 12-30-12)

It’s part of a long, boring list. Just another entry in a line of conquered cities.

But.

It’s Bethel, the place where God met with Jacob. Repeatedly. The place where God said this whole land will by yours and your descendants’. The place Jacob settled when he finally got things figured out.

Bethel had to be captured by Israel, Jacob’s descendants.

Promises don’t always come easy. Just because God has promised something doesn’t mean we won’t have to “take” it. Sometimes we have to battle to receive a promise.

[Father, give me the willingness and the tenacity to fight for the things you’ve promised to give me.]