Day five: where have you been planted?

Growing up, I sometimes would wonder why Daddy would place me in the earthly family I find myself in.

In my spiritual growth also, I have found myself asking the same question: why did You place me in the church I find myself in?

I have experienced other church atmospheres aside my home church and the truth is, sometimes I entertain the thought of pitching my tent in those places.

I attended a friend's church once and in my mind, I had wanted to pay my tithe in that church. Upon thinking about it, I could tell that Holy Spirit was strongly prompting me against it. I wondered why that was so. By God's Grace, I didn't pay my tithe there.

I am so glad I obeyed.

On Friday, I was listening to a teaching by Pastor Michael Todd when he made mention of the "Place" wherein Daddy has placed His children. He made mention of family and church and all the other settings in which we find ourselves.

Honestly, that teaching was a much needed one as it resonated with my spirit.

I am learning to be appreciative of where I believe Daddy has placed me.
I watched a video a week ago on the harness of the Lord. A certain preacher, whose name I can't recall, made mention of how his pastor kept him till he was in His late 40s before he was released. He sited the examples of two horses: one escaped to 'greener pastures' whiles the other remained in the harness. Eventually, there was a drought and when the escaped horse returned, it was all lanky and emaciated whereas the horse that had remained in the harness was well-built and had become a part of the King's chariot.

This illustration really hit me hard and I began to realise that Daddy made no mistake placing me in the family and church community wherein I find myself...absolutely no mistake. Truth is, sometimes, it gets uncomfortable. But, this is where He has placed me and a little bit of discomfort is needed for growth.

God didn't make a mistake placing you in the family you are in currently.
Are you adopted? You are still in Daddy's plan.

Like Paul, I find that to God's Glory, the scales have fallen from my eyes. My eyes have been sharpened to appreciate the people God has given me. I see it as His harness over me.

Lord knows...and I do too that If I had been anywhere else, I would probably have blown up prematurely.

Mind you, I do not regret the experiences I have had in other places and I will not trade those moments for anything in this world. They are all part of the richness that my life's story holds. Glory to Jesus!

In paying your tithe, I will plead that you pay in the church where Daddy has placed you. See, so many preachers in our day preach about the need to sow in fertile soils etc. Where fertile oftentimes mean places where tangible results are seen. Trust me, I believe in this also. But I believe Holy Spirit teaching me that the fertile soil is the place wherein Daddy has placed you. Let's not get it wrong: we can be prompted to do otherwise, depending on Holy Spirit's leading but essentially, where Daddy has placed you has all the fertility you need.

Dear Child of God, have you ever asked yourself and even God, "Father, of all the families in this world, why did you place me in this particular family, church, country or continent?"
Whenever I think on these, I am assured that Jesus has a plan for me...and it will come to pass.

My dear, believe in who you are and who He has made you.
Believe in Whose you are and where He has placed you.
Believe that He has a reason for all things concerning you.

When in doubt about the place you find yourself, don't delay in asking Him. Go to Him and have a dialogue with Him. Perhaps, like Jabez, you may have to pray some prayers.

Blessings,
Sharing Life.