Why Do I Exist? Devotions From Time of GraceНамуна

Why did I land here? 

Is there any meaning to the place of your birth, or is your arrival random and meaningless? People want answers to that aching question. That’s why stories of delivery by a stork keep hanging around. People want there to be a reason why they are where they are.

St. Paul spoke to that ancient longing in the human heart when he spoke to the Greeks in Athens: “From one man he [i.e., God]made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands” (Acts 17:26). Paul was giving those inquiring minds great comfort—not only did they have a wise and loving Creator, but they had a place. They weren’t just aimless dust motes or twigs floating downstream. There was a reason for their location and relationships. There was care and design in their lives. They mattered.

There is care and design in yours as well. “Bloom where you are planted” is a wise old saying, based, perhaps, on this Scripture verse. It doesn’t mean you can’t ever move somewhere else. It does mean that you can embrace your location, no matter how humble, and be useful to God right there, right now. Part of the grand adventure of life is slowly discovering God’s intent in placing you where you are.

You might not figure it out right away, and that’s okay. Enjoy the ride.