Putting Ourselves in the Right Place

 

 

“On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate along the river where we thought there would be a place of prayer. We sat and spoke with the women who had gathered there. One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying.”

–Acts 16:13-14

 Paul and Silas kept their eyes, minds, and hearts open to where God wanted them to go, and this mindfulness had a ripple effect: First they searched for a peaceful place where they could pray. There, they met a group of women and shared with them the Good News of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Then the Lord opened Lydia’s heart to Paul’s message, and she proceeded to offer her home to be used as a kind of ‘home base’ where the disciples could gather and encourage each other in their ministry (see Acts 16:40). In a sense, Lydia’s home became the first church. All this happened because the disciples followed where the Lord was leading them.

We can follow Paul and Silas’ example and put ourselves where we believe God wants us. For example, we may notice when a coworker appears stressed, and look for an opportunity to offer a listening ear or a word of encouragement to her. We may walk away from conversations that are toxic. We may take steps during our lunch hour to open our hearts and minds to God by doing some spiritual reading; going outside or even gazing out a window and thanking God for His beautiful creation; or spending a few minutes in a quiet church.

Another way we put ourselves in a place for the Lord to work through us is when we stand up for what is right. This may be done in any of a number of ways, such as voting and supporting those who work for peace and justice.

Sometimes we encounter roadblocks, and we discover that He’s leading us in another direction. Sometimes the opposite happens: doors unexpectedly open for us and we’re given opportunities we never knew existed.

As long as we follow the Lord’s lead and go where we believe He wants us to go, we can be confident He’ll use us to accomplish His work.

“Guide our steps, Lord, to put ourselves where You want us to be.”

Thank you for reading my reflection. © 2022 Gina Bedell     Comments are always welcome! Feel free to share it with your friends by clicking on one of the icons below. Thanks!

 p.s.

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