Not where I thought I’d be

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles who are scattered. – 1 Peter 1:1

This isn’t where I thought I’d be at this point in my life.

Ever had that thought? In my first teaching job out of college, the private school where I was working began to have financial difficulties. They were unable to issue paychecks to their teachers for a number of months.

I was single at the time. I had to move out of my apartment. I lived in and slept in my car for some time until paychecks resumed. This definitely wasn’t where I thought I would be at that point in my life. But I kept teaching.

It’s almost second nature to measure ourselves by where we are in life. We define our position in regard to our relationships: single, married, widowed, divorced.  We define our position professionally: top of the ladder, bottom rung. We even define our emotional well-being in language that alludes to where we are, with phrases like, “I’m in a good place” or “I’m in a tough spot.”

It’s relatively easy to buy into the belief that where we are in life defines who we are in life. But in our Bible verse from above, Peter acknowledges something that Americans might find difficult to believe.

God allows His children to go through hard times. Peter is writing to Christians who had to leave their homes and businesses due to persecution. 

And yet, Peter reminds them,  “Hey! God loves you. God has not forgotten about you.  Don’t let where you are define who you are, a forgiven child of God through faith in Jesus Christ. You’re a child of a Father who never leaves or forsakes His children.”

God has quite a different perspective on the events of this world – a perspective we lack.  As a result, the things that we sometimes think cannot come to any good are indeed providing blessings.  

From the death of an innocent Savior on a cross outside Jerusalem on a Friday, we get the name “Good” Friday. Why?  Because Jesus’ death brought good: forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation for those who trust in Him.

We’ll never be called to make payment for our sins, something that has already been accomplished. But the Lord uses His people to do hard things. Expect it.

Yeah.  This isn’t where I thought I’d be. But you’re likely precisely where God wants you to be today!

Prayer: Lord, When I’m thinking that I am out of place in life, help me to remember that I am your child and that you are with me through Jesus. Amen.