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In Luke Chapter 19 we find a very empowering message to those that follow Christ, “Jesus used the parable of the pounds to preach a truth about his coming kingdom and about what you and I should be doing with the faith he has given us while we are here on this earth. Jesus said, “Occupy till I come.” As I have pondered this message, I find myself drawn to its truths as I consider the Word.

The Old Testament gives a great account of when God told his people to take a new land.

“I will give the land to your little ones—your innocent children. You were afraid they would be captured, but they will be the ones who occupy it.” (Deuteronomy 1:39). As history unfolds, a group went in to spy on the land to see how they might take it. It was prime property and the people that dwelled in the land were huge and scary. Upon returning, the leaders said we can take the land but the majority said, “No, we cannot take the land.” What a fiasco that turned out to be. They ended up wandering around in the wilderness for 40 years because they did not trust God at His word. Their faith waned at the site of the giants and so they died off. It was the next generation that did what God had said and they occupied the land.

As we look at the world today, our message from God is still the same. What do we do until the return of Christ?

We occupy the places which God has given us: our jobs, our neighborhoods, our schools, our towns, our clubs, and our local businesses –every place God has given us to be a sphere of influence – even at rehab centers, hospitals or assisted living facilities. We are never too old or too young to move in our faith and, “Occupy till I come.”

What does it mean to occupy? It means to fill up or take up that space for God. If there is an unfilled position, then fill it with a God-representing believer. If someone needs a meal, then feed them for God. If someone needs a smile then give them a smile for God and so on.  Yes, giants still exist – by way of sickness and disease, oppressive regulations, mixed world views and more. But, we can find peace by trusting God and “We can conquer it” (Numbers 13:30). We just need to occupy until He comes.

Yvette Perrin is a columnist for The Charlotte Gazette. She can be reached at theword2yvette@gmail.com.