p. 9 | Right Where You Are by J. M. HOPKINS

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 19, 1916

Right Where You Are

By J. M. HOPKINS

J. M. HOPKINS

“To his servants Christ commits ‘his goods,’—something to be put to use for him. He gives ‘to every man his work.’ Each has his place in the eternal plan of heaven. Each is to work in coöperation with Christ for the salvation of souls. Not more surely is the place prepared for us in the heavenly mansions than is the special place designated on earth where we are to work for God.”—“Christ’s Object Lessons,” pp. 326, 327.

All believers in Bible lore know that the Lord has always raised up men, both in the church and in the world, to fill certain important places in his work, in his great plan. These are often termed “men of the hour.” They are men specially called and fitted for the particular occasion. Noah (Genesis 6), Moses (Exodus 2), Jeremiah (Jer. 1:1-10), Cyrus (Isa. 45:1-6), John the Baptist (Matt. 3:1-4), and Paul (Acts 9:10-16) were among them. And the number might be increased indefinitely.

That God takes the most intimate cognizance of all his people is another blessed assurance. Acts 10:1-8; Psalm 139. He knows just where each one is, and what he is doing. To every Christian these are happy truths.

We know, also, that the Lord sends his servants into different parts of the world as missionaries—men specially called and sent.

But that God designates the place of labor for every one of his faithful children may not be so apparent to all. Is it true that the Master has stationed you, my brother, my sister, wearing the toiler’s humble garb, with toil-worn hands and scarred, crooked fingers, and lowly lot,—did the Master put you just where you are? We may be poor and unlearned in the eyes of the world, and even in the church often made to feel our insignificance. Is it true that our Father has stationed us just where we are for a purpose? Yes, it is true. Please read again the quotation from “Christ’s Object Lessons.” “Each has his place in the eternal plan of heaven. Each is to work in coöperation with Christ for the salvation of souls. Not more surely is the place prepared for us in the heavenly mansions than is the special place designated on earth where we are to work for God.”

My poor toiling brother, and weary, worn sister, that means that you and I are just as truly called as were Moses, Cyrus, or Paul. Right where you are in that lowly cabin, separated from loved ones, maybe disowned and deserted by those you love; maybe alone among strangers: you may have this assurance. You may have had unfortunate reverses, but, brother, do not be discouraged. Your heavenly Father knows all about it, all about those mistakes you have made and are so sorry for. If you are fully surrendered, and consecrated, and sanctified, however humble and lowly your lot may be, know that God put you right there for a purpose. That is just where he wants you to live, to toil, to shine for him by living out the principles of his Word before your family, before your neighbors and associates.

Roseburg, Oregon.