Proximity, Positioning, Perpetuating

Defined:

Proximity — Closeness

Positioning — Location & Posture

Perpetuating — To Keep Alive

Throughout the Bible, I see stories unfolding in real time. Some bloom into their next — like Ruth, who chose loyalty over logic and stepped into legacy (Ruth 1:16–17; 4:13–17). Others hesitate and harden — like Lot’s wife, who looked back and became a pillar of salt (Luke 17:32; Genesis 19:26).

In every story, there is a choice.

A choice to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

A choice to trust God’s leading over personal comfort (Proverbs 3:5–6).

A choice to surrender self-preservation.

I have asked God so many times, Why do people do what they do?

And quietly He answers: self-preservation.

Sacrifice is not pretty.

It’s not pleasurable.

It’s rarely celebrated or front stage.

It is not being part of the “it” crowd.

It is not always being in the know.

It is arduous. Painful. Strength-building. Assigned.

Even Jesus modeled this — “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Sacrifice stretches you before it elevates you.

I wrestle with this when I speak to God. And He gently brings me back:

“For I know the plans I have for you…” (Jeremiah 29:11)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good…” (Romans 8:28)

God has a plan — and it is meant for my good.

But still I ask,

God, why does it have to hurt so much?

And He replies:

I am building character (James 1:2–4).

I am refining you like gold (1 Peter 1:6–7).

I am forming in you what I created you to be (Ephesians 2:10).

The distractions are intentional.

The detours are expected (Psalm 37:23).

And the people… are strategically placed (Acts 17:26).

Yes, it can feel isolating.

Lonely.

Not fun.

But preparation rarely feels glamorous. Even David was hidden in fields before he was revealed in a palace (1 Samuel 16–17).

So God says:

I have to place you in proximity with Me (John 15:4–5).

I have to shift your positioning — your posture, your alignment (Colossians 3:1–2).

I have to teach you what to perpetuate — what must remain alive in you: faith, obedience, love (2 Timothy 1:6; 1 Corinthians 13:13).

Everyone that looks the part is not a part (Matthew 7:16).

So do not be distracted.

Do not be tricked.

Do not worry.

For I have plans for them as well (Philippians 1:6).

And you?

You may only be a brief part of their story —

a seed planted (1 Corinthians 3:6–7).

A moment of watering.

A whisper of truth.

But seeds matter.

And when you remain in proximity, positioned properly, and perpetuating what I have placed inside of you — you will bloom… right on time.

🌿 #CourageToBloom