“This Old House”, (which happens to be mine)

I guess some people still think that co-habitation is a smart thing before marriage, you know, to make sure they’re compatible and other such nonsense.  I have a better idea: during some of the home improvements when we first moved into our current abode, I decided then and there that it should be federal mandate for couples to work together renovating an old house prior to being issued a marriage license. 

I daresay fewer couples would continue to “co-habit”.

My husband is meticulous.  I, on the other hand, am not quite so patient.  He’s sees one job; I see ten.  He can focus for hours; I am, well, not usually quite that skilled.  Nor careful I might add.  Blogger brother Wally Fry posted a meme that pretty much hits the mark HERE. (I don’t know where he and his wife, Heather, find these things, but they’re so dag-gum true!)

However, despite my sometimes counterproductive hyperactivity, God’s plan is still for me to be productive.  He’s got work for me to do, and is expecting me to walk in it! (He says so, right here!)  But there are strategies He has put in place to help provide for this.  I’m thinking this is one of them:

“Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the LORD your God fights for you, just as he has promised.  So be very careful to love the LORD your God.” (italics mine.)

Context: Joshua was now an older man not long for this Earth, and was giving it is best shot to keep the Israelites on track in their new land.  He knew there were going to be more enemies to subdue, more battles to fight.  But first and foremost, their attention and priority needed to be on loving God, translated into action by time, sacrifice, and obedience. 

The strategy hasn’t changed.  I can’t even define proper productivity without His guidance.  I’m really good at getting stuff done, but that doesn’t imply that it’s done well.  Or at the right time. Or with the correct motivation. 

My most important tactic, in fact the number one priority, is to love my Lord, to know him, spend time with Him, learn to listen to Him and know His voice (still working on that one, too.) And do it “carefully”, skillfully, bravely, masterfully.  Not haphazardly with hit-or-miss timing or planning.  From that position I can “put to flight a thousand” since God Himself will be fighting for me. 

In American terms, my time with Him rearranges my schedule (God knows how to cancel meetings on my behalf), energizes my physical body and attitude, (where did THAT change come from?), and provide, as author Max Lucado coins the phrase, “grace for the moment”. 

In other words, things fall into place, even if it seems like they’re falling apart.  (Like my old house!)

Joshua 23: 10, 11    Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.