The Old Testament book of Numbers has a story about Balak, the king of Moab.  Scared of Israel after seeing their military success, he was desperate to find a way to avoid defeat himself.  Balak sought out Balaam, known as a prophet who spoke oracles, to curse Israel for him. After repeatedly paying Balaam and making many sacrifices, Balaam refused to curse Israel because God told him to bless Israel, not curse them.  Balak would not give up, and before a third try, “Balak said to Balaam, ‘Come now, I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you may curse them for me from there.’” (Numbers 23:27)

Where did Balak get the idea that changing location would get God on his side?  That changing location would change God’s mind or bring God’s blessing to Balak (in the form of a curse on Israel)?  Doesn’t it seem naïve?  God’s character doesn’t change with location, or any other circumstances.

However, how often do we think a change in circumstances will bring God’s blessing?  How often do we pray that God change our situation because we think the grass is greener somewhere else?  Maybe if I lived in a different place, God would bless me.  Maybe if I got a better job, would it be a blessing?  Maybe if I went to a different church?  Maybe if I was in a different relationship?   Maybe if God would put us where we want to be, that He will bless us then?  Are we saying “come with us God to another place, and perhaps it will please You to bless us there” in another way?

Warren Wiersbe wrote that “We are prone to think that a change in circumstances is always the answer to a problem. But the problem is usually within us and not around us. The heart of every problem is the problem in the heart.”[1]

God calls each of us for specific reasons, and the circumstances may be part of the reason.  Referencing whether it is better to be married or single, circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or free, the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 7:24, “So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.”  In other words, God wants to bless you in, or even through, your present circumstances.  He may change them, but He may not.

In God’s plan, the grass is usually greenest right where we already are. If we can faithfully be the blessing needed in our circumstances, God will be faithful in His time and place.  He will bless His people, only sometimes with better circumstances, but always with spiritual fruit.

God always says: “Come now, I will be with you where you are. It pleases me to bless you in all situations and circumstances.”

The grass is greenest where He is.

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[1] Wiersbe, Warren.  Be Wise (1 Corinthians) (1982).