A Land To Occupy

Occupy your own land. Joshua 1:15, NIV

When did you first realize that God had a plan uniquely and specifically designed for you? God showed the nation of Israel a specific plan. He had given the people land to occupy. Each tribe had its own specific borders, each family its own specific portion.

The apostle Paul pointed out that each believer in Christ is called to “occupy your own land,” or to honor God in a specific way, when he wrote, “We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10).

A man named Buster was one of the greatest influences in my life, but he probably doesn’t realize how much he did to show me the importance of “occupying your own land.” I dated Buster’s daughter for a period of time. I enjoyed spending time with her, and I especially enjoyed the friendship with her father that dating her allowed me to have.

Buster talked with me about his relationship with God and my relationship with his daughter. He shared with me the joys and struggles of his life. I watched him on his journey as his wife succumbed to cancer. I saw him grieve and ask hard questions. I then watched him recover and rediscover love in his life.

Through each of these points along Buster’s journey, I saw a man of action, a man who understood what God wanted from him. His example encouraged the maturing of my faith.

Buster taught me something that is important for all believers to understand: Never underestimate the value of your influence, for it is your land to occupy.

Lord, give me strength to occupy the land you have for me and to live my life with excellence.