You're Needed Where You've Been Planted

Pondering Humility

In June 2023, I attended a Women's Bible Study during a season of deep reflection in my life. As I pondered the lessons we were learning, I wrote, "Valuable. Whatever it is that you are doing in this season of your life or wherever it is that you have been placed. You are right where you need to be doing what you need to be doing." Believe that. And if you don’t, let me help you.

During this six-week deep dive into John 17, one theme stood out: “individual humility is necessary for corporate unity.” This idea resonated with me, and I have been mulling it over ever since.

A Moment of Revelation

This morning, while doing my devotion, I read Philippians 2:1-11. Verses 6 through 7 hit me intensely. They say, "Christ Jesus, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men."

Before I explain how this impacted me, let me share the context. In July 2022, I moved away from the 84 square miles I called home (St. Croix) to the crossroads of America (Indiana). I accepted a position as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Kentucky, set to begin just two days after my arrival.

The Journey of Change

When I announced my move, those who knew me well expressed joy about my decision to explore beyond my familiar borders. However, many mentors, who understood the requirements of my new role, believed I should pursue something different—something more aligned with my education in Mental Health Counseling. Their honesty came from a place of love and a desire for my best future.

While I appreciated their feedback, I had an even greater mentor—the Holy Spirit. I felt a knowing within me that, although this was not the typical next step for someone with my background, it was the right step for me. This was necessary for the purpose I was created for. So, I rested in that awareness. I was being unconventional, but I was also being led by the Holy Spirit, and I knew it. I felt comfortable with my unconventional path.

Facing Challenges

Now, almost a year into this job, I can say that experiences often challenge the truths we hold. Some days, I feel like a resource vending machine. On days when my account barely has enough, I find myself drifting into thoughts about what my life would be like if I had my License as a Professional Counselor. I imagine working within a practice and earning more than I currently make. Money wouldn’t be a stressor. Housing wouldn’t be an issue. I could take care of my personal needs and support others in meeting theirs.

Do you see the rabbit hole I was digging? I dug deeper on days when consumers cursed me out or when I couldn’t help someone as I envisioned. After those interactions, my thoughts turned to, “I hate this job.” But God intervened. I began asking Him to help me develop His heart for the work I do, especially on the tough days. What I truly hated was feeling inadequate and unable to help people in the capacity I had envisioned when I pursued counseling.

Jesus Can Relate to Our Challenges

Now that you have some context, let’s explore why Philippians 2:6-7 was so impactful. Jesus was supreme before He came to earth. He held a high position in a mighty kingdom. Yet, He chose the unconventional path. He gave up that power and prestige to step into a new role, one where He had significantly less than what He had in the Kingdom. But He didn’t consider it robbery.

Verse 8 tells us, “being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death.”

Let me say it the way it resonated for me. Jesus, being in this new position, different to what He was used to, surrendered to what was required of Him that season of His life. Doing so, He fulfilled the requirements rather than resist it, thereby fulfilling His purpose and becoming the sacrificial lamb which died for our salvation.

The Reward of Surrender

It gets even better. Because of His surrender, He was exalted by God and now has ““a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” 

While processing all of this, 1 Peter 5:6–7 came to mind: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” God has been bringing this scripture to my attention, and today, the lightbulb went off! By submitting and becoming human after experiencing divinity, Jesus’ cooperation with God’s plans led to His promotion. He didn’t lose power by giving up His Kingdom; He gained it. He took back the keys of Hell, death, and the grave (Revelation 1:18). Just the mention of His name requires bowing. He had to lose to gain (Philippians 3:8), but in reality, He never lost.

Recognizing Your Significance

So, how does this relate to the idea that individual humility is necessary for corporate unity? We all play a part in the success of any goal, mission, or vision pursued. Sometimes, we may feel our role is unimportant or that we are tasked with something that doesn’t allow us to shine.

During worship today, I noticed instances when the drummer played more lightly or didn’t play at all because that segment of the song didn’t require her to play. The absence of her beats didn’t mean she became less significant. Just like when Jesus laid down His divinity, He didn’t become less significant to God. The drummer’s ability to know when to play and when to cease playing while others shined made her more valuable to the worship. Similarly, Jesus’ willingness to lay down His life made Him even more valuable to the Kingdom.

Where are you in the season of life? Does the unconventional and the unexpected have you questioning your signficance or maybe even convincing you to abandon ship and head to safety at the shore?

Embracing the Unconventional

Let us remember Jesus and the drummer whenever we find ourselves in unconventional or unexpected seasons. Let us not count it as robbery. Let us not think that an opportunity is being taken away from us.

My hope is that in each instance where we are called to the unusual or the unpreferred, we recognize that we are given an opportunity to contribute to something much bigger than ourselves. We are more valuable than we think in unconventional roles. Our willingness to put on humility and serve with excellence contributes to the overall success of everyone involved. The impact we have goes deeper and farther than we can ever imagine. Let us lean into the Lord - knowing we have been planted for a purpose - when we are tempted to leave the unconventional, unfamiliar, or the uncomfortable

A Prayer for Our Hearts in Unconventional Seasons

Lord, thank you that You have chosen us before the foundations of the world and prepared good works for us to accomplish. Father, give us eyes to see what You are doing. Help us to have hearts ready and willing to accomplish the purposes and plans you intended for our lives. Forgive us for when we complained about the seasons and places You have taken us to and compared them to places and seasons we have been or wanted to be instead. Forgive us for letting the difficulties cloud our judgment. Help our hearts be willing participants in accomplishing Your purposes and plans in our lives. Help us to practice humility in the places, spaces, and relationships You have placed us in, knowing that there is greater work being accomplished as we commit to daily acts of faithfulness where we have been planted and surrender to your will. Thank You for leading and guiding us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!