Behind the Scenes: God’s Sovereign Placement

Sometimes we just want out! Throw in the towel, I'm DONE! Our Genesis Bible Fellowship Youth and Young Adults' (Gen. B.FY) devotions remind us to look beyond the circumstance and see that Jesus has us right where He wants us. Oh my goodness, let your heart be blessed today! PLEASE READ!

When you think of people like Jonah, Barak, Moses, or Esther, what comes to mind? God had specific plans for each of these people. He guided and used them for his glory in wherever He placed them. In the book of Jonah, God instructed him to go to Ninevah. Although Jonah attempted to avoid Ninevah, he could not stop the plans God had for him. In Judges 4, God appointed Barak to judge and destroy Sisera and his army. He lacked faith and courage to go by himself, so Deborah went along with 10,000 men. Though his lack of faith cost him the honor of killing Sisera, Barak was still called to do God’s will, no matter what. In the account of Moses, God chose him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses was doubtful of himself, but God comforted and encouraged him to do His will. In the account of Esther, God chose her to be queen. God was working behind the scenes, but used her for a greater purpose, to save and protect the Israelites. What’s amazing is that God decided and planned all of this before these people ever existed! Where has God placed you in your life?

I have been at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) for 5 years and have always questioned my purpose. I’ve also questioned my purpose as an intern at Arbutus Middle School (AMS). Feeling out of place and being in school for so long wore me down mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. I’ve watched other friends graduate, get married, and become well-established in their lives. Meanwhile, I felt stuck and asked God, “Why am I not there yet? When is it my time? I’m tired of being here!” But this semester, God showed me why I was placed at UMBC and AMS. These are some of the reasons God placed me at UMBC and AMS.

• At UMBC: To witness and share the Gospel with my roommate, who was struggling with Nihilism (the belief that life is meaningless and hopeless).
• At UMBC: Support for a high school friend battling depression/life crisis.
• At UMBC: Praying for a friend about his fracturing relationship with his girlfriend who he proposed to.
• At UMBC: To encourage other Christian music students to start a Christian club.
• At AMS: Talked about transgenderism being a sin with a Christian student.
• At AMS: Being a listening ear to a student going through family issues.
• At AMS: Being a listening ear for a student going through grief due to consecutive deaths in her family.
• At AMS: Provided a positive classroom environment where students felt heard and loved through kindness and patience.

God has plans for every one of us. He may place you in a new job position, school, or somewhere that seems highly unlikely. You might love or hate where you are, but remember, God has a purpose for wherever He places you. Yield to Him and follow Him always.

Prayer: Dear God, you are sovereign in everything You do. Help me to yield to Your plan. Give me wisdom when I don’t understand why and where You’ve placed me. Give me patience when I get upset or become tired of where You have placed me. Help me to see things from Your perspective and not mine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
By Bro. Valarous Lingham