For Such A Time As This

     As I was sitting in the living room/lounge doing my quiet time, verses began to stick out at me. Now, I've been reading through 1 Chronicles for my morning devotions of late, which isn't exactly one of the most exciting books in the Bible (from my point of view). Yet, there are some rather surprising stories in there amongst all the numbers and ancestral records. I was reading one such story about David and his desire to build a dwelling for God, for at this time the Ark of the Covenant was sheltered by a simple tent.

    God speaks to David through the prophet Nathan concerning this desire to build a dwelling place, and gives some amazing promises to David. Yet, something more stood out to me. In 1 Chronicles 17:7-8, David is reminded of his background as a shepherd and of how God raised him up as a leader over the nation of Israel. Isn't that amazing?!?!

   "I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel." (verse 7, emphasis added) These two phrases, "I took you from..." "I selected you to be...", drew my attention. It wasn't just David's story anymore. This now became my story. God took me from a life that held few strong, healthy relationships, a life of constantly trying to please, depression, and being a pretender. He gave me a life full of amazing friendships, brought me to a place of joy and peace in Him, and has blessed me so richly in an identity that is all my own. He made me to be myself, and He thinks that is beautiful. Taken from my past and brought into a bright future full of possibilities as I walk in His presence!
   In verse 8 it starts of saying, "I have been with you wherever you have gone..." Then in verse 22, "You chose (me) to be your very own...and you, O LORD, became (my) God." God was always there, He is still here, and He promises to continue to be with us wherever we go. He chose me! He chose you! Isn't that amazing? Isn't God good?

Where has God taken you from? Who has He selected you to be? What role have you been given?

   
No matter your background, I believe God has amazing plans in store for each person. We just need to be ready to say yes, no matter how outlandish it may seem at the time. I ended up in Perth, Australia serving with YWAM! Who knows where you will go! :)