There’s something about staying in place. Over the years, we’ve watched friends drift from church to church, job to job, group to group. They leave a little of themselves here and there. Unless they are intentional about blooming where they’re planted, these transplants grow very shallow roots.
We’ve also watched others serve at the same church, work at the same job until they are pensioned, and maintain childhood friends. When it’s been to the exclusion of growing and changing, that hasn’t been healthy either. They become narrow and judgmental of anything not like them or their circle.
Somewhere between, there’s a healthy balance of staying put until God moves us. No church, job, or friendship is ideal. There are times of glory and times of pain. Through it all, we are learning, stretching, and realizing our place in God’s big world. Christ promised to be with us, to lead us with his voice and the Holy Spirit, no matter what the situation—highs or lows.
In contrast, Buddhism emphasizes living in the moment without trying to improve or strive so that over many lifetimes we become immune to suffering. Hinduism says that we deserve what we get and should make the best of it so the next incarnation is more positive.
What will this day bring? Only God knows. Outlook calendars, planned commutes, and schedules are guidelines. Each morning, afternoon, and evening unfolds under God’s watchful eye. There are no surprises for him.
Let’s listen for the Voice, bend to the day, and live abundantly in the grace he will provide for today.
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*But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:11-12 NLT
*I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God. Ezekiel 36:26-28 NIV
*Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches. … Yes, each of you should remain as you were when God called you. Are you a slave? Don't let that worry you—but if you get a chance to be free, take it. … Each of you, dear brothers and sisters, should remain as you were when God first called you. 1 Corinthians 7:17, 20–21, 24
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