God determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ Paul to the Athenians, Acts 17:26
I was just reading an article on the individuals with the highest IQs, and got a little stressed. Their figures were far higher than mine!!
Then I remembered God determined the exact places we should live. He determines the precise IQ we should have to do the precise work he has determined for us to do. So my IQ is perfect for the work he has called me to do– not so high that no one can understand what I am saying; not so low that no one would be bothered to.
Relax, Anita; relax everyone. God has given us the precisely perfect set of intellectual, physical, social and emotional skills to do the work he has intended for us to do perfectly, if we walk through our lives step by step with him.
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Thank you, Nick. Of course, my post was more of a journal or blog entry than properly thought out theology. Thank you for engaging with it so helpfully! Anita
My thoughts: You may be able to assert that God has determined your IQ. Afterall, God knows the number of hairs on your head – Matthew 10:30.
Although, like the Matthew Scripture, Acts 17:26 is not really about how God made us so great, but more so that God is sovereign. The Christians in both of these Scriptures are, in deed, being given a charge for the work they are to do in the world. In that charge, the point is to remember that 1. God takes great care in their lives 2. The message they carry will save a lost world from the judgement and wrath that is to come.
I would continue by saying Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord. Col 3:23. In your work, school, social life, etc bring the Gospel to the Lost. That is the work of a follower of Christ. Paul set a good example for this 1 Cor 9:22
Be cautious not to tweak the scriptures or sell them short by saying God determines the times and places, therfore he determined my IQ, therefore I should not compare or be jealous and he gave me the ability to be an (engineer), therefore I should be thankful and not anxious about my lot in life. Instead use the scriptures for what they say. 2 Tim 3:16
Remember, Paul did not think it was his eloquent words that won the lost, it was the Holy Spirit. In fact, there is strength in weaknesses, because it helps people's faith rest on the power of God and not men. 1 Cor 2:1.
As far as the times and places that God determined… He determined them so that men would seek him and PERHAPS reach out to him and find him.
John 4:34,35
Matthew 7:13-14
You are also right to relax Anita, relax…Matthew 6:25-34 *esp. v.33*
I hope this post has been Hebrews 3:13 for you.
Farewell,
Nick
Romans 15:5-6