Have you ever asked the question, Why am I here?
I have had a lot of transitions in my life over the last year. From moving across five states to Georgia, starting school at Candler School of Theology, starting new jobs, I have been consistently asking, "What am I doing here?"
Perhaps, this question pops up for many of you who are not in seasons of transition. You might be asking, "What am I still doing here?"
God has a specific plan for each and every one of us, and He puts us exactly where we are supposed to be.
This year, our YLI coaches have hosted seven Basic Trainings. During these weekend trainings, they teach others in their community about listening to God, reaching out to others in love, and how to begin multiplying their faith in others. Basic Trainings are intentionally planned around the communities that our coaches live in. YLI leaders spend time building relationships with people around them, trusting that God will reveal other believers and leaders in their midst. Our leaders trust that God has placed them in their communities for a specific purpose.
We can follow the example of our young leaders of investing in the people where God has placed us. For example, God has placed Coach Barnabas in Tamale, where he helped to lead a Basic training with Simon and David. God has placed Coach Oswin near the Kimoateek community, where he led a Basic Training with Constant and Barnabas. Coach Peter has been building a network of Christian leaders in Nigeria who meet regularly and are constantly holding discipleship meetings.
Where has God placed you?
- Who are the people in my community I can gather with to go deeper in intimacy with God?
- How can I encourage my friends and neighbors to fall more in love with God?
- How can I reach out to others and show God's love to my neighbors?
- Are there ways in which my business can demonstrate love evangelism?
- Is my faith being multiplied in others?
- Are there coworkers, friends, or employees that God is inviting me to invest in?
I leave you with a prayer from St. Theresa:
May today there be peace within you.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born in faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
Amen.