You spoke and at the sound of your shout the water collected into its vast ocean bed and mountains rose and valleys sank to the levels you decreed. And then you set a boundary for the seas….”
Ps. 104:7-9 Living Bible Translation
The remarkable thing about today’s verse is that God’s spoken word brought a response from earthly things, and then he set a boundary. We’ve referenced Acts 17:26 lately, which reminds us that God sets every individual in a place, at a time, thus within boundaries. This is so we would be able seek and hopefully find him.
*NIV ~ having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place
*NASB ~ determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live.
*NKJV ~ determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,
There is a sense of security, believing that God has divinely ordained you into a place. Conversely, without that conviction, a person’s unique identity and sense of purpose will be continually challenged.
Being fitted, placed, and having boundaries, though, doesn’t mean change will never take place. As we move through life and grow, we come to understand, as the writer of Proverbs wrote, that change is the way of life. We learn that time, place, and boundaries must be honoured and respected. That we can never take this intimate working of God for granted, without risking the deepest aspects of our relationship with Him and those we share the space with.
From God's perspective, we have been fitted for the Master's use. God is at work in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. His workmanship doesn’t change, but it does increase and develop. As we seek Him in the seasons and the times we are given, we learn the limitations of our boundaries, even as we occasionally see them move and shift.
Understanding this, Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:13 ~
We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you.” -
The apostle Paul did not go beyond his given metron. Paul was mindful of his specific sphere of influence and authority, as delegated by God, and did not overstep those boundaries. Paul recognized that he was not an apostle to all, but rather had a particular area of service entrusted to him. This concept of metron or sphere of influence emphasizes humility and a sober understanding of one's role and limitations within God's plan. Paul also understood that being faithful within his boundaries carried the benefit of increasing others' faith, thus opening new doors of opportunity as he continued writing in 2 Corinthians 10:16 ~
We will be able to preach the Good News to other cities that are far beyond you, where no one else is working; then there will be no question about being in someone else’s field.
Again, seen in Paul's life in Acts 16:6-7, we learn limitations, as Paul is forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach in Asia Minor.
We can’t live in another time frame, but we can live fully in the one we have been given, resting in our assigned places, doing our assigned tasks.