For Such A Time As This

This morning I read the book of Esther in the Bible, the book where we find the famous quote, “For such a time as this.” And I wondered, “Is that for us?”

It’s easy to assume someone else is called to do what needs to be done. We love to tell our children and teens they have a destiny, a purpose, a reason for being on earth at this time. But don’t we all?

Jehovah, the Sovereign of the universe, the mighty Creator of all things, doesn’t move lightly. He’s not frivolous in His doings. He creates with thought, even planning for our salvation before the beginning of time (1 Peter 1:17-21). He knew before we were born we would fail to follow Him on our own. We would lose the hope of walking with God in the garden unless He provided. And so He did.

God Is Building His Kingdom

God is building His kingdom with the souls of those who say, “Yes,” to His offer of life forever with Him. So why are we still here on this earth if we’re one of those who say “Yes!”? After all, life here is dreadfully painful at times. Why not let us go immediately into His presence to enjoy Him without the burdens of pain and loss we encounter on this earth?

Perhaps it’s because His plan involves us being here for such a time as this. Because there is hurt and pain and loss, and people need hope.

If we know the Giver of hope, He can use us to share His peace and joy with those around us. Sometimes God uses us to encourage a friend who already is part of His kingdom. Other times we have the joy of sharing God’s love with someone who doesn’t yet know they can live with the God of love forever.

The Almighty is building His kingdom one soul at a time. And He desires to use those already in His kingdom as part of His building process.

God Desires To Be Known

God wants everyone to know Him, to join Him in His kingdom. But how will they know unless someone tells them?

In Hebrews 1 we hear how God tried to speak to men through the ages. First by prophets. Then by sending His Son.

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son

Hebrews 1:1-2, NKJV

Jesus came to show us the Father because God’s heart desires everyone to know Him. He goes to great lengths to get our attention. He even went so far as to sacrifice His Son to pay the penalty we could never pay.

Maybe we’re here for such a time as this to join our Lord in His effort to let His created ones know He sees them. To be a witness of God’s love. To share the story of the Kingdom and the Savior of us all, Jesus.

Our Purpose Is Found In God Alone

Scripture tells us we’re created for good works.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do (Ephesians 2:10, CSB).

But He also tells us those good works have to come through His Spirit working in us.

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 4:6, KJV).

God saved us ahead of us being here. He offers us eternity with Him in His perfect kingdom if we trust Jesus as the way. And He lets us be a part of His kingdom building in the here and now as His Spirit works in us and through us. This is the beautiful destiny He has for us all.

God has a purpose for having us here for such a time as this. The hurting world needs hearts to share the love of the Father and words of grace to remind them God has not forgotten us. He is with us. He is for us. And our purpose is found in Him alone.

What Is Our Calling For Now?

I’m convinced we all have a calling from the Father. Maybe you are a parent or grandparent called to nurture children and help them navigate a society whose values are against those of the Kingdom. Or perhaps you’re a musician called to sing the praises of the King of kings so others hear and God is glorified.

Maybe you’re a health worker chosen to minister the gift of kindness to those hurting physically in this sin sick world. Or perhaps you’re a student walking among young people who don’t know the true and living God. A witness to young people who need to know there is a different way to view the world than the way the media presents it.

Maybe you work in an office where political correctness keeps your mouth closed. But your life exhibits the glory of God as He lives His life of truth and righteousness through you day by day. Or possibly you’re a writer called to use words to remind people of the one true Word of life.

Whatever calling God has place on you, be willing to run in His strength. We can’t do our part in this world apart from the power of the Lord. Spending time with the Father is our privilege and our joy. From Him comes the power to do what He’s called us to do.

Called For Such A Time As This

God has called each of us for such a time as this. But we can only fulfill our calling through His power and wisdom. None of us are here by accident. The Great Creator has a plan. His ways are good, and His power is available. Let’s trust the Father. And find joy in the journey He has for us.

As God walks with us and works through us, one day at a time, each of us will understand better each day–we are here, on purpose, for such a time as this.

(Photos: Taken by Carolyn Thigpen, January 2023, Tribble Mill Park)