Such a Time As This ...

Full transparency. In the climate in which we find ourselves in our nation, it would seem to be a no-brainer to talk about being here for this time in our country. But God is leading me in a different direction and, honestly, I’m glad about that. 

I love the Book of Esther. I marvel at how God works so dramatically in a book that doesn’t ever mention His name. Esther is placed in the position of being able to help the Israelite nation but is hesitant because of the reputation of her husband, the king. Her uncle’s response to her hesitation is our scripture passage for this week: “And who knows whether or not you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 ESV)

As I was pondering on this verse and what it could mean for us, it occurred to me that global issues are not the only time we are called for “such a time as this.” What if we look a little closer to home?

·       Have you ever been at just the right place at just the right time to pray for someone (a stranger) who was obviously in distress? Maybe in a hospital waiting room or other place? I have multiple times and am so glad that I was able to be there for those who were in need “at such a time as this.”

·       Has the Holy Spirit ever directed you out of your way so that you were in a position to help someone who needed gas or other assistance? Then you were there “for such a time as this.”

·       Have you ever been at the grocery store when someone was struggling to pay for their groceries and you were able to step in and help out? Then you were there “for such a time as this.”

·       Have you ever walked with someone through a difficult journey and provided just the support, encouragement, hugs, and words that they needed? Then you were there “for such a time as this.”

If you have experienced these situations, then God has used you mightily to be there for those who needed just what you could offer at that moment in time. It is amazing to me that, just like in the Book of Esther, God arranges for us to be just where we need to be “for such a time as this.”

Those times don’t have to be major moment in a person’s life. Sometimes, they are less major but feel just as important at the time. It doesn’t matter if you know the person or not, you being there made the difference between them having to be alone and isolated and being supported and encouraged.

You see, I think we put great stock in being there for the big things in people’s lives. We may even take pride in supporting and encouraging through times like we are experiencing in our country.

But I think, if we are to truly love our neighbor as God loves us, it is important for us to be there in the times that no one else notices. In the times that may seem insignificant to others but are important to our friends and loved ones – and even to strangers. I believe the biggest difference we make is in the small details of other people’s lives. Those times when God arranges for us to be there, just as He arranged for Esther to be where she was at just the right time. 

How have you been there for someone? How has God arranged for you to be in the life of someone else “for such a time as this”? How has that impacted your life moving forward? How has it made your appreciation for God’s divine plan increase?

Praying we can all be there for others “for such a time as this.” 😊 

Blessings 😊 Ceri