(Stewardship 13) III. Land – “Inheritance” (continued)

For years, I was very satisfied and content with the spiritual blessings of this promised inheritance because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. But life is not about simple contentment but obedience. As the homeschool years keep rolling, our desire to exercise our stewardship through taking care of the land, animals, and all creatures on land has been increasing. We are but dust. What if we are closer to our roots and His creation? How will that change our lives? What if the blessings to the Israelites in terms of the promised land can be applied to us in a tangible way as well? What if God has wonderful things to teach us through His creations? The Spirit keeps nudging our hearts to pay attention to our roots and substance: dust or land. 

Personal land or properties are taken seriously during Bible times and even today in many parts of the world. More detailed instructions in land dealings are recorded in the Bible. Lands are blessings for generations. Even before sin entered the world, “the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Working in the garden was a man’s first job. Our calling to be back to the land also started from the man of our house. My husband’s holy ambition to work with his hands, each one in the family, has inspired me to explore this unbelievable option. 

Just like homeschooling, my husband led the way. Out of a desire to be submissive in the Lord, I did my own research about the option to homeschool both biblically and practically, and saw the promises and blessings of this holy calling. I can’t say it is all a smooth transition, but I will not trade anything for the privilege of homeschooling. All good things are worth fighting for! What a blessing to have a visionary and humble leader of the house! Even though we have our fair share of disagreement, miscommunications, or even heated discussions (okay, to be honest, some discussions were so heated to the point of arguments), our relationship has become deeper and more authentic as we knit our lives so closely together. The Lord knows what we need when He matched us together across the globe. 

At this point, homesteading is simply an overflow of our lifestyle, home education, home business and ministry. It is not so much a brand new direction, even though it might look like a new move. The land with its many inherent blessings plays a beautiful key role to tie many things we are doing, desire to learn, and many possibilities together. For many centuries, personal land has been a place to produce, to build, to farm, to gather, to give birth, to have weddings or funerals and so much more. In other words, lands served people abundantly. It is not until the recent industrial world, people have become indebted and enslaved to property (not even much land). Many people are serving the property with their day jobs, not to mention house maintainance, mowing, high taxes, etc.. 

What if you are debt-free to do what you are truly called to do? What if you can reduce the cost of living so you don’t have to work long hours? What if you have time-freedom to enjoy the work like the first man, Adam, in the garden? Are you looking to move to the country to avoid something or to embrace something better? How are you preparing your homesteading mindset and lifestyle where you are? Do you have particular callings or ministiries to stay in the city? If so, how often is your physical presence required? What city conveniences would be hard to let go? Do you meet with like-minded friends where you are to continue learning and growing? Do you have family and parents’ support and blessings if you are called to the country? 

If those brain-storming questions have stirred up something in your Spirit to take some actions, pray and read His Word with a humble heart and continue to seek His guidance. Again, stay open-minded for His speaking and leading. Changes are hard. Don’t force the change but allow the Father to take your hand to the unknown places. Don’t worry about your loved ones or what others may say. God will take care of your loved ones as you seek His Kingdom and His righteousness first. Just like homeschooling takes the parental team, homesteading takes a family team. Part of waiting on His timing is waiting for His preparations for everyone in the family involved. 

You don’t need to have a perfect marriage or super obedient children to work as a team. Each family has its own issues and challenges. Homesteading will definitely bring a family closer if you strive to do the work together. Even the preparation stage has provided us ample opportunities to dream, discuss, disagree, design together. We continue to learn to love and forgive each other each day. 

May the Lord grant us greater faith to be faithful stewards with our little and trust our good Master will entrust us with more for His glory in His way and perfect timing.

---

Here are links to all 16 posts in the “Stewardship” journal from Elyse’s Journal written around 3/25/2023. (The link will not work until the post is posted.)
1. Seeking His will to take back the stewardship of the land (Rob’s Introduction)
2. I. “Who”: Rescued from the System
3. II. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 1: Work System
4. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 2a: Medical System
5. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 2b: Birth System
6. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Chain of Spirit-led decisions
7. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 3: Education
8. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Aliens and Strangers in the world
9. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Freedom
10. Simple, Abundant Living as a family wherever you are
11. Called to the Land
12. III. Land – “Inheritance”
13. Land – “Inheritance” (continued)
14. IV. How (resources)
15. Resources
16. Conclusion