1 Timothy 1:12
"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me faithful, appointing me to His service."

The weekly encouragement is simply put, but not so simple in day to day focus.

Where are you?  Think about it.

Are you in school?  Think about the areas He has you in at the school He has you at.

Do you have a job?  Think about the co-workers He felt led to place around you, and the type of people who will interact with you because of your job. 

Do you have a group of people you interact with?  Think about the differences and similarities you all may have.

Do you have any hobbies or sport involvements which place you around others, directly or indirectly?

Do you have family?  Think about the exact family dynamic you have...both immediate and extended. 

God called you into that situation.  God sees you as faithful to be in it for the purposes and plans He has for you within each of those areas.

He is the One to provide you EXACTLY with the strength you need to go through each moment in those areas.

Seriously.  Be thankful.  Sometimes, we go through moments where we are so happy to be right where we are.  THEN...we go through moments where we are, well, less than thankful.  We want things a certain way.  We want, well, our way.

Wouldn't it be nice if everyone just always did everything we liked, and agreed with our infinite knowledge and wisdom?

As wonderful as that sounds...no.  We would never learn strength.  We would never understand what true perseverance in relationships is.  We would never gain any perspective to a "bigger picture" beyond ourselves. 

It reminds me of church battles.  One of the biggest (O, I can't wait to get to Heaven and past this mess) is "song styles".  As if ANY of the songs is about any of us, or for any of us.  So many, of all types are written out of passionate testimony and heart.  Sadly, many think that only applies to hymns of old since they are...well, of old. 

Some of the most passionate songs I have heard, or written, have come from Scriptural testimony to strength God gives in times of ... well... living.

One young man I know wrote a song "Wait".   Knowing life testimony, the song is written (and based solely on the Word) from a heart struggling at the moment to remember God's call in "waiting".  Passionate.   True.  Overlooked and invalidated because it is new.

Often, people want to run to the type they want to hear, or force a church to lead what they want led.

Random....but if a church has to lead the way a church fellowship wants it led, is the right one leading?  I always thought Christ was the head.  Maybe this is part of why the lost world is so confused. But moving on.....

I also think of Lisa, my wife.   I will never forget what she told me just a couple of weeks in to her water breaking and pain.  She said God has told her in a quiet time that He CHOSE us to be Jaden's parents.  He knew what we all would go through and picked us!!

It helped her each day.  It reminded her that HE would strengthen her when all else made her just feel weak.  It served to remind me Who was and IS still in control.

You have a role wherever you are.  Now, you can use it for you.  You can carry the "what's in for it me" attitude. 

OR---you could seek to be open and thankful.  You could allow Him to strengthen you in the frustrating times.

Met a man, who HAD TO BE in his 70's at 6 Flags.  He was running the Superman ride.  He had the most positive outlook and thankful personality.  He didn't act as though he deserved anything.  He just served, and loved.   It was hot.  People there can, well--not be so friendly to the staff.   How did he act?  With love.  AMAZING!!!

Where has God placed you?  Don't spend too much time wondering why.  Sure--ask Him why.  Think about it some.  Be open.

BUT--most importantly...know you are there for a reason.  Maybe you aren't somewhere for a reason.  You ARE where you ARE for such a time as this.  Be thankful you were seen fit to be in that place at that moment.  Let Him be your strength, and go LIVE where He has you.  If you don't, you will miss part of the abundant life He has meant for you.  What a shame? Let's not accept regret.

Let's walk forward knowing HE has a purpose that HE is faithful to complete.  And cool--WE get to be a part of that.

It's not about us.  Never has been.   It's about Him.  From the beginning.  To the end.  That my friends is a true story.