SOAP - Joshua 12 - 14; 1 Corinthians 7

(S)cripture-
1 Cor. 7:21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you - although if you can gain your freedom, do so.

(O)bservation-
God needs believers in all walks and stations in life. Paul urged Christian slaves to live contentedly in their situations and to take comfort in knowing that they had become truly free in Christ. However, he did also say that they should gain their freedom if they could. In a similar way today, God says we should be content in the positions we are in. The thing that matters most is that we have eternal life through Christ Jesus. God put each of us in our present positions for a reason and we should live contentedly there. But, there is also nothing wrong with seeking to improve our condition - God wants us to soar on wings like eagles and to live life to the full. We need to do this prayerfully and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in these instances. God wants to prosper us, do great works through us, and give us the desires of our hearts, but we need to seek Him first and be content in all situations knowing that it is only because of Christ's sacrifice that we are truly free and have eternal life.

(A)pplication-
I know God has a great plan for me and I want to be open to whatever that is. However, I do not want to go where He does not want me to go, so I will wait on the Lord and be obedient to how I am led by His Holy Spirit. I will continue to pray for His will to be done in my life and that I would be a mighty warrior for His Kingdom in whatever He calls me to do - for His glory and not for mine.

(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for always providing for me. Paul says we are to be content in our present situations, but You also say You know the plans You have for us - plans to prosper and not to harm us - and that You will give us the desires of our hearts. Lord, I am truly blessed to be your child and for my salvation made secure by Jesus' blood - this is the most important thing to me. But Lord, help me to understand where You are leading me in this life, that I would be obedient to Your calling, and follow where You lead me through Your Holy Spirit. I trust in You and want to be humbly obedient to Your calling and direction. I love and praise You and ask these things in Jesus' name, Amen.