Joy A. Mead

Sandwiched into the story of Esther are the thought provoking words, ‘For such a time as this.’ (Esther 4:14) Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, was encouraging Esther to be courageous and do the right thing by pleading for the king to spare the lives of the Jewish people, her own people. Mordecai makes reference to Esther becoming queen and that perhaps that was all part of God’s greater plan, to put her into a position with the ability and opportunity to save the Jews.

Those six words of Mordecai always make me stop and think about life, right now. Where am I at in life and for what purpose has God placed me in my current situation?

With sickness, war, natural disasters, and suffering plaguing our world, I can often grow disheartened and feel powerless to help. My little life and sphere of influence is quite small and limited. Yet, Jesus doesn’t just use the popular, powerful, rich people to create positive change. He frequently uses all of us ordinary ones and invites us to make a difference for His kingdom.

Be encouraged today that your life matters. That even though you may feel insignificant, you are certainly important to those around you. We serve an intentional God, who sees life in totality and beyond time. If you are willing, God will use you to bring forth love, hope, and peace into this broken world. Look at your life exactly where you are at and believe in God’s strategic placement. You are exactly at this moment in life, in your specific family, town, school, church, and community ‘for such a time as this.’

Dear God,

Thank you for these encouraging words, that You have placed us exactly where we are at for a special purpose.

Help us to believe that we are truly your children and that we have good works to be doing on earth.

May our inspiration, enthusiasm, and perseverance be rooted in You.

Give us wisdom to see from Your eyes and recognise that none of us are here by accident.

Whether in small or large capacity, You can use us to share the good news of Jesus.

Holy Spirit guide us in living out our faith wherever we are, knowing that each day is an opportunity to know You more.

Thank you for unconditionally loving us and showing us how to extend that love to our world.

In Jesus’ name we pray,

Amen.