This question came up in a recent BSF group discussion. It’s a very profound question. Whose call will you always take? Who do you give the authority to interrupt your schedule?

When we say we don’t have time, is that really true? Will you rearrange your schedule for a doctor, spouse, child, or grandchild? Of course you will. We change our schedules for a certain funeral, a family member in the hospital or that critically important business meeting. It’s not that other things are not important, but we all have priorities.

This is what Jesus is specifically telling us in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” God used the word, “SEEK” to describe our heart condition. He is asking us to desire His Kingdom & Righteousness above everything else. Then Jesus said we should daily live our lives with the strategy found in Matthew 22:37-40, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Notice God uses the word “Commandment.” At first glance it sounds harsh, but when we look deeper into why God would use such a strong word, we find battlefield commanders use a “Direct Order” or “Command” terms such as, “Hold at all costs,” Hold the line,” and “Stand in the gap.” Commands were used to communicate how to respond to resistance & challenges. It’s not a possibility but a certainty. So, God is telling us to expect distractions, conflicts, and confusion in our life. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

God chose Joshua to lead the Israelites to cleanse & occupy the Promise Land. In verse 9 God gave Joshua the rules of engagement, his priorities, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Then God gave him the key to success. Joshua was not to try to obey using his own plan, strength & abilities but to depend on God for His Power & Strength. God told Joshua, “for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” When we study Joshua, we discover that when Joshua & the Israelites asked God first and obeyed, life was good. But when they acted on their own, they failed.

It all comes down to the question of who is King & Lord of your life? Will you allow God to interrupt your life…your comforts for what He wants?