In our desire to do great things for God, we shouldn’t overlook the importance of staying where God has placed us. I have heard more prophecies about moving than staying. I believe it is possible that some people have moved from unique positions that God has been using them in when to stay would have been better for kingdom purposes. Sometimes the most strategic thing you can do is stay exactly where God has placed you and serve Him there with all your heart.
Why do I say all that? It is an introduction to this verse:-
“Erastus stayed in Corinth…” – 2 Timothy 4:20
If this is the same Erastus as in Romans 16:23, “Erastus, the city treasurer”, the one who sends greetings to the Roman church, then this city treasurer of Corinth is particularly significant. His position demonstrates how the early church drew converts from various social levels, including those with significant civic influence.
This is not abandonment by Erastus but it points to strategy. Corinth was a crucial commercial and cultural centre, having a mature believer of Erastus’s calibre would have been invaluable for the ongoing work of the church.
God uses people in their own contexts. Where you are right now and whatever you are doing cam be a tremendous platform for the kingdom.
God’s mission has different callings. The church needs both those who go and those who stay, both those who plant and those who water, both those who evangelise and those who establish.
God sees remaining as being faithful as well as going. Staying can be just as strategic and sacrificial as going. It takes faith to remain when opportunities elsewhere might seem more exciting.
May we all have the wisdom to know whether we’re called to go or to stay, and the faithfulness to serve wherever God has placed us.
Missions Paul 