Being Grateful

           Being grateful can be one of the hardest things to do, especially nowadays when we are able to see the details of everyone's life through social networking sites like facebook, google +  and more. It's easy to compare, but comparing causes ungratefulness, it also causes us to steer our lives onto roads never created for us in effort to make our life line up with someone else. 

           One of the keys to remaining grateful is embracing our unique purpose. God has a plan for each of us. The steps He directs for one are not the same for another. Proverbs 16:9 NLT says, " We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." God's determined steps for each of us are vastly different.   

           The Apostle Paul could have thought it unfair that he had to spend so much time in prison while other Christians at the time enjoyed life with their church families. Jesus could have been upset that he had to give his life while others did not. And I'm amazed Stephen didn't complain about being stoned to death - He prayed and asked for mercy on his enemies. You see, God has purposed us for different reasons and seasons. Comparing ourselves is easy, but pointless.

             When we are grateful we realize that we are placed where we are needed. The Bible says, " 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 live." - Acts 17:26 NIV  God has determined our time and place. One may live in a mansion, another a trailer, but God has a reason behind it all. God places us where our ministry is. Yes, you have a ministry! Location, location, location! 

                If God provides for you to travel then keep your eyes open because He has some people He wants you to meet. If God has you placed firmly in a certain apartment complex then keep your eyes open because He has people for you to reach there too. For instance, my husband had a very vivid dream about moving into the apartments he moved into before we were married. He was also told that he'd live in this specific floor plan for three years before upgrading. God has a plan! My husband could easily say, "But God I'm married, we want a house of our own." but instead he chooses to follow the Holy Spirit and be obedient. He rather follow God's plan, not man's plan. Being grateful allows us to enter into God's adventures. Ungratefulness causes us to chase other people's accomplishments even if they aren't God's plans for us. 

           "Bloom where you're planted" is sound advice. Gratefulness allows us to bloom, and when we bloom we can see the purpose behind the situation we are in. Our main purpose for being alive is to make God famous and bless the people we encounter. Our jobs, homes, vehicles and everything dictate who, what, when and where we have influence. So embrace your life with gratefulness and see the great things He has in store for you without getting wrapped up in comparing. We will find our greatest joy smack dab in the center of God's will for us.