God’s Unique Design

“From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should love.”
–Acts 17:26

Did you catch that? It’s no accident that you are residing in your town, living on the street you live, and with the neighbors you see every day. It’s no mistake that you are living in this century, this decade, and this very year. And is your circle of friends just coincidence? No way. God has determined it. Just think. You could have easily been born in another time, another place. Or you could have been raised on the other side of the country. Think how different your life would be growing up with a whole new set of childhood friends and neighbors.

Of all the billions of possibilities, of all the millions of people with whom you could haven been best friends, God determined the exact time and place where you should live. God has a special reason, a unique design in each friendship. He chose to surround your life with these treasured dear ones for good reasons. But, what if your past and present experiences with your friends and dear ones had caused you pain and heartaches? What if their attitude toward you makes you feel bitter and you feel alone and abandoned? Don’t loose heart. Remember Job, who had lived a righteous life, yet he is treated by God as if he were unrighteous? Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that God doesn’t love him. In Ezekiel 14:14, God declares that Job’s righteousness is on a par with that of Daniel and Noah. Looking closely with the Scriptures, it tells us that Satan sees Job’s spiritual and material prosperity so he slanders him before God, affirming that Job’s spirituality will crumble if his material assets are removed and if Job suffers physically and emotionally. God allows Satan to put Job through a period of testing to silence Satan, to face himself, to reveal God, to refine his character, to demonstrate God’s goodness, to help his friends and pray for his critics. During those difficult times, his friends regard him as a sinner and his wife encourage him to curse God and die. Despite at times, his desolating doubts, he remains righteous and stands for all time as evidence of the fact that no matter what happens, or how many doubts may fill our hearts, it is possible to live righteously for God in the midst of a seemingly cruel world.

History tells us that Job prayed for his friends who abandoned him during difficult times in his life. Why was it that when Job prayed for his friends, God suddenly turned the spiritual tide in his favour? Some of us may think Job was angry with his friends, and the moment he gave up his anger, God was able to move mightily in his life.

As Christians, make it our goal that our family and friends would be the people with whom we will live for eternity, enjoying an even greater dimension of friendship. Friend, because God has placed you together on earth at this time and in this place, you and your friends have a chance to get a head start on God’s eternal plan. God has special design for your friends and family. Truth is, each person that God put in your life is precious in His eyes. Will you pray for your family and friends today? Are you angry with anyone today? Then pray for that person – now.
If you haven’t felt the genuine love of a friend or even your family as long as you can remember, then talk to Jesus right now. He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He will never leave you and will never abandon you. Truth is, Jesus is waiting for you all this time. Many times in your life, you heard His voice but you’re too busy to listen. He even orchestrated situations in your life to get your attention so you will come closer to Him but you go the other way. Friend, now is the time to listen to His voice, now is the time of salvation. Will you invite Jesus to come in to your heart right now and make Him your Lord and Savior? Will you make Him your Friend, Best Friend, and Father today?