I ended last year by reading a book called ‘Just Such a Time’ by Lindsay Bruce. I found this such an encouraging and motivating read – I would highly recommend you reading it for yourself! The book focuses on how we can reconnect with God, when life gets in the way. Lindsay shares her own personal experiences and her journey of understanding the purpose God has for us, even when we are going through unforeseen circumstances, that leave us questioning where next? She uses the illustration of Esther’s story and as the title suggests, shares her thoughts of how we are all born for ‘such a time as this’.
After finishing this book, I decided to read the story of Esther for myself, and like Lindsay, am going to share what I have learnt from Esther’s example.
Esther was just a regular woman who was willing to let God use her in an amazing way. God placed her exactly where she needed to be in order to save the Jewish people. You may be sat reading this thinking, how on earth can God use someone like me!? I know how you might be feeling – I’ve been there! Over the years, I’ve found it hard to believe that God could have a real purpose for me. I look at other Christians, and compare myself to them – “I’m not as strong in my faith….”, “What gifts have I got to give”….”Why would God choose me?” – Comparison is one of the biggest problems we can face and steals us of our joy. However, God does not view us on a leader board of who is ranked best to worst Christian; if He did we wouldn’t even make it onto the board! God views us all as equals because of Jesus’ sacrifice and the grace of the Cross. Nevertheless when we are struggling with this idea of God being able to use us, we need only turn to the Bible to see examples of how God uses the ordinary to do His extraordinary works!
A persons worth is not judged by the exterior but the interior: God sees who we really are. God has a plan and a purpose for each of us, even if we do not yet see it ourselves. In 1 Samuel 16, we learn that David a simple shepherd boy; the youngest of all his brothers, was chosen by God to become King. David did not have the outwardly appearance of a King but God saw his heart and his true worth. God has chosen us because he sees something within us. Others may not recognise what God does and judge us by our appearance, our age, our abilities, and thus lower our self-esteem and confidence. But be encouraged! God sees the truth of our hearts and our inner beauty, which he values more than our exterior. You may not think you are the ideal person for God’s calling but you are! Regardless of where you are on your Christian journey, God has a purpose and plan for you, and is using you in ways you don’t even realise to bless others and bring about His purpose. Right now, you are exactly where God needs you to be. There are no such things as coincidences; God’s timing is perfect.
“Who knows if perhaps you were made for such a time as this”
Esther 4: 14
Sometimes we may feel our lives have no direction and that we’re holding the map upside down, but we should be encouraged that ultimately God knows exactly where we’re going and how we’re going to get there.
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. They are plans for good and not disaster to give you a future and a hope.'”
Jeremiah 29:11
Daily we make hundreds of choices, but we will all face turning points in our lives when we need to decide to listen to God or not – Do we let God reveal his purpose to us and follow His guidance? Or will we continue to follow our own paths and hope for the best? Esther was up against such a choice. In fact, her choice meant she had to risk it all! Esther, facing the possibility of death, still decided to be obedient to God’s instructions. She was brave enough to follow God and risk everything, despite what might happen to her. Are we able to show this level of courage when making a stand for our faith?
God has created each one of us perfectly and knows exactly where we’re headed. We are a lot like Esther, in the way God places us where he wants us to be, to act in mighty ways. We are made for ‘such a time as this’. Consider all the issues within the world we could be used for, by God, or even things we could do closer to home, to fulfil God’s vision. What is it you feel God is calling you to do?
Esther is the story that reminds us that nothing is impossible with God, even when He uses regular people like us. So, are you ready to risk it? To throw down your map and instead trust that God has got it covered? Let’s use the opportunities we are given each and every day to fulfil God’s purpose and become the person we are meant to be.
God Bless! 🙂
STEADFAST 