Choose your chair

Ephesians 2:6 says, "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus." 

After reading Seated with Christ by Heather Holleman, I’ve been reflecting on the seats I’ve occupied over the years—and the ones I’m in right now. Each one, whether ordinary or extraordinary, points me back to this truth: no matter where I sit on earth, my true seat is already secure in the heavenly realms with Christ.

With that in mind, I went searching through my photos for a picture I once took of the church bench from my time in Madagascar. 

What I found surprised me—countless photos of chairs, benches, and sofas from the past 15 years.

Some were in classrooms where I taught, or offices where I worked.

Others were in churches where I worshiped, prayed, and learned.

Those church chairs remind me that the location or style of my seat doesn’t matter—what matters is the One I meet there. Whether it’s a simple wooden bench or a cushioned pew, each has been a place where I’ve joined fellow believers to glorify our Father and listen to His voice.

I even found a photo from a staff prayer gathering,

a sweet reminder that it’s not the furniture that matters, but the fellowship with God and with one another.

There were also chairs from the homes I’ve lived in—quiet places where God met me in prayer, Scripture reading, and reflection.

Around some of those chairs, His children have gathered to share meals,

break bread,

and encourage one another.

I have photos of chairs where I ate and prayed with students.

A chair at my parents’ house where I’ve worked and studied.

A chair my husband and I bought and assembled together,

and even ones gifted to us by my in-laws. Every one of these seats tells a story. They remind me that my identity and position are not defined by the chair I’m in, but by the truth of where I am seated spiritually—with Christ, in the heavenly realms. Whether in a crowded sanctuary, a busy classroom, or a quiet corner of my home, I am already at His table. And that, above all, is my favorite seat of all.