“Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.”
1 Corinthians 7:17-20 NIV

When the Israelites moved into the promised land, the tribes were given land assignments. God wanted them in certain places for His own reasons. Why was Simeon surrounded by Judah? Why were Issachar, Zebulun and Naphtali given such smaller tracts up north next to each other? I honestly don’t know, but God has his reasons then and we know He has His reasons now.

Paul is talking more about relationships in this chapter, but he also touches on slavery. There are many times in life where we want to ask God why He has us where He does in a certain time. We may be working under a horrible boss, we may be neighbors with people we just can’t relate to. We may be working with people who test our patience and challenge our faith on a daily basis, or we may be somewhere that it is easy to share our faith and proclaim Christ.

But whatever the reason, God has a plan for us where we are to live and act and serve as His ambassador. In chapter 7, Paul gives permission for unbelieving spouses to leave, but He also admonishes believing spouses that their presence in the unbelievers life may well be the influence that brings them to Christ. He encourages slaves to find their freedom if they can, but he also encourages them to live as Christ where they are, and that encouragement come through to us today, too.

God doesn’t operate without purpose or a plan. He knows what He is doing. It is ours to trust Him and do the best with the situation we find ourselves in each day. Running may be our gut impulse, but staying may better serve God. To truly lay down our lives, our supposed ‘rights’ and spend our days in an active attempt to GoLove others for His sake? We never know what all. God can accomplish if we take our eyes off of ourselves and serve where we are despite the hardships. It will definitely grow our character and our trust in Him. Seek God’s guidance before taking hasty action. Pray for patience and peace. You never know how He is going to use you.