In my post yesterday, I repeated a discussion from Glynn Young’s Book #4 in the Dancing King series. I’ll repeat it here:
King Michael and Queen Sarah were talking about when life was simpler and that it seemed like it was just yesterday when he studying and preaching and she was expecting their first biological child. Michael laments that it seems so far away. The following is Sarah’s reply:
Sarah replies: “It was another life. Even if we don’t know what we’re doing, Mike, or what we should do, God does. The stuff that’s horrible or appalling or perplexing, He knows it. He has us both here for a reason, if we can’t fathom it and even if we want to be anywhere else but here. Mike, He’s ripping the lid off the sewer; it’s just hard to be one of the workers He sends in to clean out the pipes.” (p.222)
I wanted to comment more on what she said but word count put a limit on what I said. So I thought I would make a comment or two today. First, what prompted Michael and Sarah’s musing has been, unfortunately, headline true. The Church of England, of which Michael was an ordained priest, was having the lid blown off its sex abuse scandal-the coverup and moving around of pedophile priests who maimed over a thousand boys mentally and spiritually. That is a heavy weight for any to carry, especially a fictitious king and queen whose God-inspired and God-involved life had been radically interrupted, first by becoming king and queen of England; second, by the government’s inability to function; and third, by the exploding scandal involving the church.
God places people where He wants and needs them. Sometimes it is often unexpected. I know I have used the phrase “Who da thunk it?” when referring to circumstances that defy logic. A person who seems to be out of their element performing a feat that defies explanation. Sort of the like the unexpected athlete who becomes a superstar or a gold medal winner. God does not make mistakes at any time, and that is especially true when placing people where He needs them. Some are shepherds of people and some, like Sarah says, are used to clean out the filth. I am old enough to remember the Christian singer, the late Keith Green, who was vilified and misunderstood because he dared talk, write and sing about hypocrisy and deadness in the life of the church and individual followers of Christ. Some used the term “prophet” which I hesitate using. He was fiery like a prophet of the Old Testament and his “take no prisoners” approach sure was in your face, but there was no compromise acceptable to Keith. Nor should there be for us.
God has placed you; He has placed me, exactly where He wants us to be. And while we may not understand it all, He is not asking us to. He is simply asking us to trust His way and work and be obedient.
We who follow God are where we are because it is His will, and He will and can use us in mighty ways when we obey Him. Such an amazing reminder from Glynn’s book, Bill. I’m reminded of what Esther is told in the Old Testament – perhaps, she was placed in her position for such a time as this, even if it’s difficult.
Blessings!
Funny (ironically funny). Just this morning i was working on a sermon that included Esther and that Scripture. It is definitely one to remember.
Sometimes it is hard to see our place in God’s plan. I think we get so distracted in life at times that we don’t take a step back and try to see from the bigger picture. I know I get fixated on the immediate. I get distracted. I lose focus. God provides opportunities, but I still have to take the initiative and move. I think the larger vision is not always revealed and I think most of the time, we may only be given a glimpse until we are willing to take that step forward.
I agree Ryan. not that I ever get distracted. Cough cough. 🙂 But sometimes I do fail to see the bigger picture. When it hits me I could smack myself and say, “Why did you let yourself get caught up like that?” But then I begin to see God’s plan and realize I am not the one in charge. He is and to play the game His way.
When God ask you to be a part of His story, that is an awesome honor to have. I know I have missed way to many opportunities, but a few times I believe I have understood, followed and to the best of my ability followed through with Gods plans, not mine. Those times, just made me hungry for more opportunities. Walking with God is the best thing in life, but helping with His plans in some way, being a part of that, that is excitement that cannot be put into words. Father, please help me to say yes to Your next plan, and not to miss Your call.
It is an honor Gail. One I hope and pray I never get tired of or take for granted. You are right also that when you follow God’s plans and see His work it does make us hunger for more opportunities.