This sums up perfectly some things that have been especially on my mind these past few days....

Where He Has Placed You

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
Hebrews 13:5–6

Contentment is not contingent upon your location, but on your love for Christ.

In the eleventh century, King Henry III of Bavaria grew tired of court life and the pressures of being a monarch. He made application to Prior Richard at a local monastery, asking to be accepted as a contemplative and spend the rest of his life in the monastery. “Your Majesty,” said Prior Richard, “do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience? That will be hard because you have been a king.” “I understand,” said Henry. “The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you.”

“Then I will tell you what to do,” said Prior Richard. “Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has put you.” When King Henry died, a statement was written: “The King learned to rule by being obedient.”

When we tire of our roles and responsibilities, it helps to remember God has planted us in a certain place and told us to be a good accountant, teacher, mother, or father. Christ expects us to be faithful where He puts us, no matter the task we have been given!

Notice Philippians 4:11, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Now consider who wrote that—the Apostle Paul. He is saying that no matter where he was or what situation he was in, he had learned to be content. There were times he was shipwrecked on an island with prisoners, but he was still content to be in the middle of God’s will.

Contentment is not contingent upon your location, but on your love for Christ. When you are walking with God and are in the middle of His will, you can have peace and contentment. Even if you are shipwrecked in the middle of nowhere!

Did you catch the last half of Hebrews 13:5, “…be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee?” We can be content because God is always with us! No matter where God has placed us, He has promised to be with us there.

Have you ever tired of your career or routine in life? Do you sometimes wish you could do something else with your life? Whenever those thoughts come in your head, think back to the time you surrendered your life to Christ. Remember when He called you to serve Him and He placed you where you are. If God has called you where you are, there is never a reason to leave!

Spend some time remembering how God led you exactly where you are today. Thank Him for His leading and commit that as long as He keeps you there, you will be content in Him.