When God has placed you in the "not so nice" part of town

Our family lives in small, humble home.

It boasts about 1400 sq. feet (including our finished basement)

It has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a 1 car garage.

It is shaped like a shoebox.

And He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." Luke 12:15

In comparison to many of our family and friends, we live in a very "reduced" state.

(What do they expect...we are both teachers! And I teach part time!)

Not only is our home on the humble side....so is our town.

Our town is not very desirable.

In fact, most people would love to avoid it all together.

There is crime.

There are rougher schools.

Some do not take care of their home and yard.

(For example, our neighbors asked if they could have a piece of plywood. We happily gave it to them, in which they took it and propped it up against their house with an old couch to "finish off" their "fence")

But you know what?

This is where God has placed us.

Our home really fell into our laps.

It was my grandparents and when they needed assisted living, we were getting married and it worked perfectly.

It was affordable and just what we needed.

And God knew that.

We have worked to make our little home work for us.

Like adding a family room and 2nd bathroom.

We've tried to make it a little haven for our family and guests.

A place to serve others.

 God has placed us here for a reason.

Our neighbors need the gospel.

They need to be loved.

They need to be cared for.

 

Living in a more "affluent" area does not save us from anything.

Yes, the yards and homes may be more beautiful, but the people are just as broken.

It just may not be as visible.

So friend, if you are living in a less-than-desired area, but encouraged.

God has you there for a reason.

 Whether it is a financially wise decision for your family, or a mission-field ready for harvest, where He is going to use you or your family.

Take comfort in knowing He has placed you there.
You are on a mission everywhere you go, and your neighborhood is a mission field you encounter daily.

And on the days where I find myself perusing the real estate ads and drooling over master bathrooms and kitchens that can fit more than one person, I remind myself that I am exactly where I am meant to be for this season.

Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you," Hebrews 13:5

It's not to say we won't move.

God can use us wherever He needs.

But don't let jealousy and discontentment steal the joy and purpose of being exactly where you are in the here and now.

"Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all people." 1 Chronicles 16:24