A lean, lonely coyote lopes through our neighborhood every afternoon, taking the same path, stalking its next meal. We do not schedule our walks to the mailbox then.

In our quiet, secure home stress levels are down since we’re on a “news fast.” This is a result of two questions which clarify any pending decision:

“What does this mean?” and “What should I do?”

Addressing Question #1, the Bible lays down a baseline in God’s vow to Abram: “I’m giving you and your offspring all this land as far as you can see as a lasting possession.” (Genesis 13) It stretches “from the desert to Lebanon, from the Euphrates and the Hittite country to the Mediterranean in the west.^”

Location, location, location. Real estate is ever thus.

Israel still has enemies. Dwell on it, we’ll live in fear. “But Moses urged, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. … The Lord Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” (Exodus 14:13-14)

God told Joshua and his wilderness-weary nomads, “Get ready to cross the Jordan into the land I’m about to give the Israelites every place I promised Moses. As I was with him, I’ll never leave you. Be strong and very courageous. Obey Moses’ law … then you’ll be prosperous and successful. 

Joshua ordered the officers to tell the people, ‘Get ready. Three days from now you’ll cross the Jordan and take possession of the land your God is giving you.’”

In contrast, in a letter to Corinth Paul writes, “I was given a thorn in my flesh…to keep me from becoming proud. Three times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. Now I boast about my weakness so the power of Christ can work through me. I take pleasure in the persecutions that I suffer for Christ for when I’m weak, I’m strong.” (2 Corinthians 12)

God told Joshua be strong, be courageous, be ready. But God did a 180 with Paul, saying, “Suffer and be weak so My strength can be seen in you.”

What will you do when the shaking, already underway, is in full bloom, like a luge run? Now Question #2:

“If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. He’ll order His angels to protect you wherever you go.” (Psalm 91)

Jesus said, “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Trust in God, trust in Me. When everything is ready, I’ll come get you, so you’ll always be with Me where I am.” (John 14)

The Psalmist concludes chapter 14 with “Here’s what I learned through it all. Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord; be brave and courageous; and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting for He will never disappoint you.

Curtis Mayfield wrote and recorded “People, Get Ready.” Are you and those you love ready?

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