Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. (I Corinthians 7:17 ESV)
Contentment and Faith
I wanted to spike the volleyball and win the game. But our coach did not place me in the front of the line. He put me in a useless place on the volleyball court, in my opinion.
“Tom,” he said. “You are more useful in that corner. You serve reliably, and you are not tall enough or quick enough to spike.”
I was not content.
In a similarly childish way, sometimes we are not content with our situations in life.
Consider what God has done. He has created the world for the benefit and enjoyment of His people. He has given us life itself. He has loved us while we were yet sinners. He has transferred our sins unto Christ’s burden, and given us the light burden of Christ’s perfection.
And God has assigned to each of us a particular life. Fitting us into the tapestry of His Kingdom in exactly the place that He, in His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding has deemed best.
Not mildly best. But joyfully best.
God has done this with His people throughout history. He put Joseph in a cistern, in prison, in Potiphar’s household, and in Pharaoh’s court. God knew where He needed Joseph to best save Joseph’s family. He put Jeremiah in a pit, falsely accused and then ignored. God knew where He needed Jeremiah to best write the book of Lamentations. He put Jesus in Gethsemane, grieving and aware of the suffering just ahead. God knew where He needed Jesus to save us, His people.
And Joseph, Jeremiah, and Jesus were content. Remember Jesus’ words, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42 ESV)
When discontentment lurks, have faith that God knows what He is doing. Have faith that God has you in the right place on the volleyball court. Have faith that God has you in the right job. Have faith that God has you in the right place, at the right time, with His right plan.
Take the faith God grants us.