“Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them.” — 1 Corinthians 7:17
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We live in a transit society, especially professional athletes. Even college athletes are bouncing around. Countless people do not stay long enough in one area to establish any roots. Many employments are only for a season, pulling up stakes to the next job or team. Growing families move quite frequently due to changing needs within the household, and kids move schools. Others move to enjoy a more seasonable climate, live in a safer community, or avoid an increasing tax scale.
And then there are circumstances beyond our control that precipitate a change in our lives that is unexpected. You get transferred to another location or traded to another team. The company you work for is going out of business, you lost your home due to a fire or flood, or a family member has need of assisted living. These are necessary reasons for you to uproot and replant yourself. But do you realize God is the One who is doing the planting? And wherever God plants you, He expects you to grow.
The great Oswald Chambers said, “‘Consider the lilies of the field…’ (Matthew 6:28). They grow where they are planted. Many of us refuse to grow where God plants us. Therefore, we don’t take root anywhere.”
If you are like me, you have had your share of replants in your life. Looking back over each move in my life, it is clear the Lord directed my steps and planted me in my new environment. As I reviewed my time in each season, there were periods of tremendous growth, but sadly there were periods of stagnation. There were times, as Oswald Chambers said, when I didn’t take root anywhere. Perhaps I didn’t like where God had planted me, or even worse, didn’t realize it was Him who placed me there. Advancing in years provides many opportunities for do-overs and learning from your mistakes, and I have taken advantage of all of them.
So, the question is: Are you taking advantage of the season you are in and growing where God has planted you? Make no mistake, if you are following God’s lead in your life, you are indeed where God wants you to be, whether you like being there or not. God planted you in the field of His choice — your occupation, city, team, church, high school, college or university, neighbors, and family. You were planted to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You were planted to grow spiritually in your relationship with Him. You were planted to grow and bear fruit for all to see, leading others to salvation.
It’s time to grow wherever you are, taking root and bearing fruit, for we do not know when the Lord will uproot us and replant us in another location.
— Loring Schultz
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