Adverse Possession

Have you ever seen the movie Legally Blonde? Well, move over Reese Witherspoon ‘cuz here comes the Doahead spin on a bit of legalese known as adverse possession.

We’re all familiar with adverse possession whether we realize it or not. The layman’s term is squatter’s rights.  It results when someone resides in a particular place long enough that they eventually assume ownership of the property.

The term adverse is an adjective to describe a scenario whereby the actions of another prevent success or development. These actions may be harmful or unfavorable.

Question.

Is there a squatter on your property?

I know there are day’s (sometimes weeks) when there is a squatter on mine. The real estate he’s after is my heart.

• Some days, the square inch he pursues is my purity. I stand in line at the grocery store inundated by magazines of attractive men. I have to look away. I want to desire my husband only.
•  Other times the squatter attempts an easement into my integrity. Is it really necessary to pay for just ONE personal copy?
• Next he pitches his tent next to my outbuilding of joy. When we lose a loved one, questions like, “What’s the point?”are normal. But the squatter doesn’t want me to entertain the thought…he wants me to drown in it.

The squatter is calculating. His move is subtle but the goal is always the same. Ownership. Possession. ADVERSE possession. Harmful. Unfavorable.

But there’s good news. About the time the ol’ squatter starts to think he’s gained property, you and I can place that one call (the only call we need) for legal counsel.

The Counselor responds immediately to our cries and says to the squatter “Your mistaken.

This real estate has been purchased and paid for in full.”

No adverse possession here. The squatter may prowl about as he looks to expand his territory but one of flash of the “paid in full” and he knows he’s wasting his time.

“In him we have redemption through his blood…” Eph. 1:7 NIV

“Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ’s sacred blood…” 1 Peter 1:18-19 MSG

Your DoAhead Friend,