Yesterday, as I stood in the backyard barbequing, I had my Merlin app recording in the background. It picked up the sound of a bird that seemed out of place. I had never even heard of this bird.
I thought, improbable, it must be a mistake, but it picked it up repeatedly and this time I heard it as well. It was a dunlin, a type of migratory shorebird that shouldn’t be in Abbotsford. It was definitely out of place.
The only thing I could think of was the fact that we’ve had some strong winds of late. It must have been blown off course.
Sometimes, we feel like that dunlin. Out of place. Why are we at this job, or living in that community? Why do we have the neighbors that we do?
The simple answer is that God has placed us, or allowed us to be there.
The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to inhabit all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His offspring.’ Acts 17:24-27
The heart of man plans his way, But Yahweh directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
God can use where you are—and how you got there—for a purpose, even if the path there involved human choices, chance, or hardship. He works in all things for the good of those who love Him.
In the words of 16th-century Saint Francis de Sales, from his book Introduction to the Devout Life, “Be who you are and be that well.” It was an encouragement to grow spiritually within their current circumstances rather than wishing for different ones. While I may not agree with all his theology, he was right on this point.
In popular Christian literature, it has become cut down into the rather trite phrase “Bloom where you are planted.” Still, it’s a valid concept.
Even if you feel out of place, there are opportunities to grow spiritually and to serve the Lord. Make the most of them.
Trust in him to work despite your circumstances. You are not out of place in God’s eyes.
Be blessed
Kevin