And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14
Do you ever wonder how your life would be different if you were born in a different country, or during a different time period? I always thought it would be fun to live during the Victorian Era because their dresses were so exquisite. I type this from my heated home as I sit in my comfy pants and sweatshirt. Maybe I’m not cut out for the Victorian Era after all.
It’s so amazing to think that it is not by chance that we were born when we were. And it is not a coincidence that we live where we do. When my husband and I moved to Arkansas 21 years ago, it definitely was not part of the plan. We were going to live in Phoenix, Arizona. We love cities, and it’s warm there. What more could you want? But God had a different plan. “Arkansas?”, we thought. “Really God?” “Do they even have running water?” It turns out, there is running water in Arkansas, and it’s a stunningly beautiful state.
Looking back, we can see why God placed us in Arkansas. He has blessed us with so many opportunities that we would not have had somewhere else. He has brought so many people into our lives who have spoken love and truth over us. And he has used us to encourage local friends, co-workers, and family who were hurting.
What about you? Do you wonder why in the world God has you where you are in this moment? Do you wonder if He truly does have a plan and purpose for you? Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God does indeed have a plan and purpose for you, and it is a good one!
Stop and think about the people that God has placed in your circle. Your family, friends, co-workers, server at your favorite coffee shop. God has not placed those people in your life by accident. You may not know it now, but He will use some of those people to encourage you when you need it. Perhaps they need to be encouraged by you? Take the time to pray and ask God what he would have you do, in this moment, in this place where he has you to accomplish his purposes.
I recently read a comment on a YouTube video about someone who went through the drive through line at Starbucks. She was having a very difficult time and was in a deep depression. She was going to have one final coffee and was headed home to end her life. The person in front of her in the drive through, of course didn’t know any of this, but decided to buy her coffee. She stated in her comment that this single, simple act was enough to give her hope to not go through with her plan.
Perhaps your smile might turn someone’s day around. Perhaps your word of encouragement might raise up the next Billy Graham. Perhaps the note you placed in their lunchbox might be the voice of truth reminding them that they are loved when they need to hear it most. Perhaps your simple act of kindness will save a life. Perhaps this is the moment you have been created for!
In Joy,
Jamie
Dear Lord, help me to remember that you have placed me where I am, right now, on purpose for a purpose. Thank you that I am not an accident, and you have good plans for me. Help me to understand what my role in your purpose is and give me the courage to see it through. In Jesus name, Amen.
If you don’t know the peace that comes from knowing and walking with Jesus, I encourage you to simply start with this simple prayer; “Jesus, I need you. I want to have peace and joy regardless of my circumstances and what is going on around me. I recognize that I am a sinner in need of a savior. I believe that you died on the cross for my sins and God raised you from the dead. I believe that you, Jesus are Lord. Amen.”
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.– Romans 10:9
If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of Christ! Reach out to a trusted Christian friend and tell them about your decision or shoot us an email to let us know. Find a local Bible believing church and dig into the word of God. The books of John or Psalms are a great place to start! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at blessings@injoybox.com
