I shuddered a final sob and then He spoke into my heart. I like to think that God speaks in the quiet and the stillness because He takes the time to listen to our fears, doubts, and pains. He waits until we’ve let it all out.
But He said, “You’re exactly where I want you to be.”
Well! That’s a massive “no” to my prayers.
He heard me and told me to stop it. Stop being insecure about my career, my job, my finances. Stop being fearful of what people think of me. Stop feeling like a loser, and, can you believe it, stop looking for a different job.
Because I am exactly where He wants me to be. It’s hard to remember that. It’s hard to remember that Jesus is in my boat and I will be just fine. It’s easier to see the storm, the waves trying to sink my little boat, my calling, my purpose, my identity.
Hebrews 7:16-19 (NLT) says:
Jesus became a priest, not by meeting the physical requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed. And the psalmist pointed this out when he prophesied, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” Yes, the old requirement about the priesthood was set aside because it was weak and useless. For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
Hebrews 7 tells us about Melchizedek, one of those mysterious Bible people. Not much is known about him. His name means “king of justice” or righteousness in other translations. His title, king of Salem, means “king of peace.” There’s no record of his parents, genealogy, birth, and death. He’s described as priest forever, and that he lives on. Melchizedek was not a Jew, not a Levite, but he was a priest of God Most High, his priesthood established by God. He was so great that Abraham paid a tithe to him.
Some scholars think Melchizedek was a very holy person showing the same characteristics of Christ, while some think he’s a temporary manifestation of Christ Himself.
The author of Hebrews shows us that Jesus is like Melchizedek. Jesus is our Most High Priest, appointed by God, perfect and our better hope, the way to the Father.
Melchizedek and Jesus were appointed by God to be high priests. They were not born into it, and that’s okay. More than okay, actually, since God chose them. And they broke all sorts of mold. Melchizedek, in a world where monotheism was rare, worshiped the one true God. He was a great king that people tithe to, even if he wasn’t their king (like Abraham). Jesus broke the ultimate mold, the curtain, the gap that separated us from the Heavenly Father.
Did you know we’re like Melchizedek and Jesus? Not in perfection and not as high priests, but in being chosen by God.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9, NIV).
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you” (John 15:16, NIV).
God chose us, too. God made us His priests, too. He made us His. He called us. It is our job to declare His praises and to bear fruit. And if we obey, we’ll break all sorts of mold.
Like Melchizedek and Jesus, we don’t have to be born into the right position or have the right upbringing. We don’t need the right accolades, the right education, or the right history. We need only say yes to God.
Melchizedek said yes to God, to be His priest, to live righteously. Jesus said yes, too, if you think about it. He’s man and God. But He chose to be subject to the Father’s will to save us.
When we say yes to God, He puts us exactly where He wants us to be, even if that’s in a tiny boat in the middle of a big storm. We might want to adjust our sails, mayday for the coastguards, or abandon ship.
But let’s get quiet for a minute and listen to God’s whispers. He just might be telling us to stop. Stop being insecure. Stop being afraid. Stop thinking we’re losers. Stop focusing on the storm.
And start trusting Him. Start putting our faith in action. Start believing that we’re on exactly the right path God wants us to be on, even though it’s not easy.
Where are you right now? Do you feel isolated? Do you have financial struggles? Are you afraid of what the future looks like? Are you questioning what you do? What you’re supposed to do? Your calling or your purpose?
God chose you specifically. He gave you a specific purpose. Trust Him. Trust in His plans. Even if you feel like a tiny boat in the middle of a big storm, Jesus is in the boat with you. (Click to Tweet)
Linking up with Testimony Tuesday, Coffee for Your Heart, Word Filled Wednesday, Winsome Wednesday
Angela, this is my first time here from Word Filled Wednesdays. I don’t know where to start… you are telling my story. I’ve been (and maybe am still working through this with God) right there with you. In the exact same position, the exact same convictions from God. The same nightmares and the same realizing all He ever wanted was my surrender. In my case, surrender meant trusting Him enough to leave a situation. But until I was there (and until His time was right) He asked me to trust Him where I was. And I’m learning I can’t live ahead of Him. I have to trust Him with every day right here. I have times in my life where it’s so easy, but in the last three years I let myself get off track. THANK YOU for sharing this! What a wonderful testimony, and God is there with you. He’s got us in His hand and He’s not letting go! Love your blog!
I like how you put it, “I can’t live ahead of Him.” I have to remind myself that all the time. Thank you, Kim!
Anna!
Thank you for this post. This brought me a fresh perspective to understand the context of the priesthood of Melchezidek. And what a mighty thread you’ve sewn drawing this connection from Melchezidek, to Jesus, to us.
I, too, received a big “NO” on something earlier this year. Its tempting to be upset and well, “no” doesn’t really ‘feel’ good, but then, when I gave it to God, I had such clarity and peace. I am reminded of that now because of your post. Blessings on you! 🙂 Julie
Thank you, Julie!
This was an AWESOME post. If I didn’t know better I’d say it was written just for me! At this very moment, I’m struggling and trying to come to grips with where God has intentionally placed me. I’ve squirmed. I’ve wiggled. I’ve to slink, then run away, but God has not allowed it. Thank you for reminding me that there’s ALWAYS a blessing in being right where God wants us. He knows best.
Thank you Andrea! I hear you, I’m still struggling too and trying to come to grips. But God is always faithful. He has a plan for us we can’t begin to imagine. Blessings to you!
Yes, we’re right where God wants us – or at least He can use us where we are. I often get anxious to move on to something else and it can be frustrating to hear the ‘wait’ – but I know there’s purpose in wherever He has me.
I get anxious and frustrated, too. I convince myself that I’m useless where I am at the moment. But you got it. God can use us wherever we are. He can even turn the storms into something better, a lesson, a testimony. Thanks for stopping by, Kathryn!
Visiting from Holly’s today and I am so glad I did! Such a great reminder… He is always with us – and in us… always!
Thanks for stopping by, Karrilee!
“When we say yes to God, He puts us exactly where He wants us to be…” So true, friend. And a lesson I am learning over and over. Thanks again for linking up to Testimony Tuesday!
Me too, Holly! Seems like we learn the same lessons from God but in different stages of life. How faithful is He to love us still!