Have you ever wondered why God has you in a particular job, physical locale, phase of life, or family situation? Have you ever felt unsatisfied with life—that you should be doing more for God—maybe something more meaningful, productive or exciting? Many of us have these thoughts—especially if we are feeling unappreciated or ineffective in our current situation. Maybe we believe we should be someplace where we can make more of an impact or be more useful to God.

As moms we are prone to this at two particular points in life. First, when we are being pulled in all directions with little ones under foot, spending all our time wiping noses and picking up Legos. Secondly, when our babies are gone, having married or moved out, and we find ourselves searching for meaning outside of motherhood.

But, what if God doesn’t need our usefulness? What if his desire for us is for something even greater?

As I sat in my quiet place this morning reading My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers, one particular passage jumped out at me. Here is an excerpt:

Look at God’s incredible waste of his saints (believers), according to the world’s judgement. God seems to plant his saints in the most useless places. And then we say, ‘God intends for me to be here because I am so useful to Him.’ Yet, Jesus never measured His life by how or where he was of the greatest use. God places His saints where they will bring the most glory to Him, and we are totally incapable of judging where that may be.

That is a profound statement. You and I exist, first and foremost, to bring glory to God. We often forget that as we go about our lives trying to insert ourselves into places and situations that will “help God out”. God made you to bring glory to Him and only he knows where that is.

Once we understand that the goal is to bring glory to the most high God, then we can begin to settle in and embrace our purpose—on this very day. We can stop wishing and hoping for a change of venue, a more productive assignment, a better opportunity that’s just around the corner.

Let’s be fully His today. Here. In this family. In this job. In this church. In this stage of life. Let’s bring him glory by being the best we can be where we are right now.

I recently heard this quote by Martin Luther: “The shoemaker glorifies God not by stamping crosses on every shoe, but by making the very best shoes he can make.”

Be the best mom, friend, sister, wife, employee, Sunday school teacher, doctor, nurse, banker, custodian, waiter, daughter, secretary, you can be! We please God when we are fully His—embracing the here and now and living it for Him.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”            1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)

“Everyone who is called by my name, whom I have created for my glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.” Isaiah 43:7 (NKJV)

“For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.” Romans 11:36 (NIV)

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23 (NKJV)

“Teach me your way, O Lord; I will walk in your truth; Unite my heart to fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify your name forevermore.” Psalm 86:11-12 (NKJV)