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“Now the third lot came up for the sons of Zebulun according to their families. And the territory of their inheritance was as far as Sarid. Then their border went up to the west and to Maralah, it then touched Dabbesheth and reached to the brook that is before Jokneam. Then it turned from Sarid to the east toward the sunrise as far as the border of Chisloth-tabor, and it proceeded to Daberath and up to Japhia. From there it continued eastward toward the sunrise to Gath-hepher, to Eth-kazin, and it proceeded to Rimmon which stretches to Neah. The border circled around it on the north to Hannathon, and it ended at the valley of Iphtahel. Included also were Kattah and Nahalal and Shimron and Idalah and Bethlehem; twelve cities with their villages. This was the inheritance of the sons of Zebulun according to their families, these cities with their villages. The fourth lot fell to Issachar, to the sons of Issachar according to their families. Their territory was to Jezreel and included Chesulloth and Shunem, and Hapharaim and Shion and Anaharath, and Rabbith and Kishion and Ebez, and Remeth and En-gannim and En-haddah and Beth-pazzez. The border reached to Tabor and Shahazumah and Beth-shemesh, and their border ended at the Jordan; sixteen cities with their villages. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Issachar according to their families, the cities with their villages.” Joshua‬ ‭19‬:‭10‬-‭23‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

The next two tribal allotments were near each other. It would have been easy for the tribe of Zebulun to wish for what the tribe of Issachar received. Issachar received some of the most beautiful land in the land of Israel. It is fertile and considered part of the bread basket of Israel. However, it is also known for a particular valley. It is the Valley of Jezreel. Another name for this valley is the Valley of Armageddon. It is where a great battle will be fought. This is the place where God’s final wrath will be poured out on the earth. 

It is easy to wish for what we do not have only to find out we really did not want it when we got it. I have often had ladies desire to be in a leadership position only to find out, leadership is difficult. Once they have it, they begin to question their choice. The battles can be fierce. I have also found myself in that position, questioning if it is all worth it. Sometimes it would be so much easier to be elsewhere. 

Have you ever felt that way? Wishing for something else, anything else? The only thing that will hold us is hope. Romans 15 speaks to this. It says, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” It is believing what we cannot see. It is believing that God will accomplish His purposes and that all things will turn out for good for those who are called according to His purposes.