“From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands. God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:26-27, BSB).

God knew us before we were born. He knew the end from the beginning. He knew our choices, our victories and failures. He knew our hearts; He knew us. He is infinitely more than we are. He could see all the possible outcomes. He knew if we were born in certain times and places, what our choices and outcomes would be. He placed each of us in our certain time and place. That’s what it means that He appointed our times and the boundaries of our lands.

Why did He make that certain specific choice for you? For each of us? Out of His great love for us, of course. God is motivated by love. We don’t have to question His heart, His thinking, His motives. He doesn’t operate under shadows. There is no secret plot. He made known His intentions, “For God so loved the world…” That’s why He does the things He does.

We see that in the second verse from our Scripture portion today. It says that God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out and find Him. He chose the best time and place for us, hoping we would reach out. He already promises that if we seek Him, we would find Him. If you feel like you are searching for God, don’t stop. There is a promise, a sure, unfailing promise that He will be found by you. It’s His plan for you, His will, His heart’s desire. He wants to be known by you. And even if you feel you are searching and not finding, know He is near. He is not far from anyone.

Lord, open our eyes to see you are near. Help us reach out for you and take hold and never let go. Thank you for loving us down to the details. Thank you for choosing this time and place for our existence. Thank you that we were born for such a time as this. May we use our time to bring you honor and glory.