Are You at the Right Place?

It’s a pleasure to hear devotional thoughts from Pamela Polanco this week! You can learn a bit about her on our contributors page.

A few Christmases ago, my husband and I were in NYC. I am not a fan of the city, but I must admit it is breathtaking during the Holidays. I had a long list of attractions I wanted to see, yet very little time:  Rockefeller Christmas tree, 5th Avenue’s decoration, a Christmas market, and more. However, some dear friends insisted we visit Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights. At first, I wasn’t thrilled by the idea, but it was hard to dismiss their request. 

I will forever be glad we went, for it was a sight to behold. The intricate patterns of the decorations entirely set by the neighbors of this community were phenomenal. After seeing all the city’s other “big” attractions, this little tour through a neighborhood became my favorite. I didn’t complete my list, but I genuinely felt I was at the right place and time, which made all the difference. It was a memorable occasion that I often speak about.  

There is something special about being in the right place, don’t you think? I think of this widow, Anna, who spent her days at the Temple worshiping and serving. Many probably saw her there and assumed she was missing out on something, but Anna was just at the right place.

When I first read the verse, I almost made the mistake of assuming Anna’s presence in the Temple when Simeon was praising the Savior was coincidental. Honestly, it couldn’t be a coincidence. For one, there are no such things with God, and two, Anna was always, always there. 

According to Luke, “And she [Anna] coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38).

She received the blessing of witnessing the Savior shortly after His birth. Anna was at the right place, the house of blessings—She was where healing occurs and hope is renewed. 

Maybe you have a list of plans and things you want to accomplish, but perhaps the right place for you is not where you expected it to be. Just like Anna, sometimes we find ourselves in the most unexpected circumstances, but those places may be exactly where we need to be to experience God’s blessings and miracles.

It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and to-dos, but take a moment to consider if you’re where you should be (I am not just referring to a physical location). Are you where God wants you to be? Are you open to receiving His blessings and guidance, even if it’s not where you planned it to be?

Anna’s story reminds us that being in the right place can lead to an incredible encounter with God (Many other Bible stories attest to this). Make sure that you are where the Lord wants you —physically and spiritually. Remember, God orchestrates Divine appointments, not coincidences.