Placed with Purpose

January 25, 2022

From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. Acts 17:26 NIV

We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory. 2 Corinthians 10:13, 15b-16 NIV

Every now and then I’ll be in a conversation about a book, movie, or historical event, and someone will say, “I just love that time period! I often wish I would have lived then!” Or “I have always been fascinated with Europe. I have always had a little part of me that wishes I would have been born there.” I almost always resist the temptation to remind them if that wish would have been reality, they would already be dead (wink), and often skip the reminder that their slate would certainly be wiped clean of their current family, friends, associates, and memories. 😊 I think we’d all agree that’s a hefty price for living in another place or time.

There’s an even better reason for rejoicing about where and when we were born. Paul states in several sermons and letters that none of us are where we are randomly. We don’t have a coincidental God. We have a very purposeful God. He has placed us where and when we are for His divine purpose. Acts 13:36 reports that “David served God’s purpose in his own generation and then he died.” That’s the calling and purpose for all of us.

Within our own areas, God has assigned a sphere of influence. It begins first in our own family and location. We are to generously share Jesus and build God’s kingdom among the people we regularly see: the ones with whom we regularly connect first and foremost. As we do it, we pray as Paul did that our influence with them will expand. For instance, your child is someone in your sphere of influence. Building God’s kingdom as you interact faithfully with your child is vital. His or her faithful following of Jesus and understanding His love and passion for them personally is paramount. It must figure high in your priorities. As your child begins to make friends outside of your family, perhaps beginning to date, instead of simply criticizing or worrying about these new influences, what might God do if you saw this as Him expanding your sphere of influence? You are where you are, in this place and time, for the purposes of God. What might He want to do through you with these people?

• God, I believe that You in Your almighty wisdom placed me where I am for Your own purposes. That means ______________ is in my sphere of influence for a purpose. Help me see them through your eyes, and have your wisdom to take advantage of this opportunity appropriately and kindly for Your sake. Amen.