From one man he made every nation of the human race to inhabit the entire earth, determining their set times and the fixed limits of the places where they would live. —Acts 17:26
Paul’s visit and time in Athens was not by accident. He was there for a purpose and on a mission.
Prior to turning 21, I had only lived in two different houses and attended three different schools, including college. We didn’t move around much and I grew up in the same church community for the majority of my years at home. After graduating from college, I lived my 20’s and 30’s in Phoenix, AZ and Nashville, TN, prior to moving to Montana. The Lord had a plan and purpose for each and every city I have lived in. At times, it feels like I am in the middle of nowhere Montana, but I know there is a plan and purpose for my life, even here.
Our lives aren’t determined by chance or luck and there is nothing unknown about us to God.
God has proven Himself to be incredibly detail oriented, and we see this as we read pages of genealogy throughout the Bible. In Genesis 10, we are given an account of Noah’s sons, and their sons, and their sons, establishing to us how He indeed made nations spread over the earth, after the flood.
The Lord has established each of our steps. He has placed us in our cities, our neighborhoods and our workplace for a purpose, like Paul was led to Athens. Paul took the time to look around and get to know his surroundings before he began preaching. I absolutely love this reminder. It is such a beautiful way to go about our daily ministry, wherever we are called. It’s important that we take the time to look for the needs, recognize the brokenness or incorrect theology, and speak the truth boldly and in love.
Our faith must be seen. The relationship that the Lord desires with us requires both private devotion and public admiration. We speak about the things we love. How quickly and enthusiastically do you reply when someone asks for favorite restaurant suggestions? Do you shrink back and get embarrassed? Or do you enthusiastically tell them the name of your favorite restaurant and then proceed to give them the rundown of your menu items? We naturally talk about the things we are passionate about.
We are influencers for the kingdom and our ministry takes place right where we are. Even if you feel alone, like Paul might have felt as he waited for Silas and Timothy, you can still make an impact. We must look around and “tour our cities” and believe that as long as we have breath in our lungs, we have God-given opportunities to bless the people around us with His Word.
Be empowered today, friends!
