by Heidi Williams
Every once in a while, the Lord wakes me up in the middle of the night to read my Bible. Sometimes, I find myself saying, “Not tonight Lord, I’m so tired.” But He persists, and I get up and read. Isn’t it funny how He brings us to just the right verse at exactly the right time?
You see, I’ve been struggling with feelings that I am just not enough. I am simply unable to do what the Lord has called me to do. My twin sister and I have begun this journey to start a home called the SONshine House; a home dedicated to providing a safe-haven for homeless teenage mothers. We hope this will be an environment in which these youngsters can call home, and can know and experience the love of Jesus.
“But the project is so big, and I am so unequipped,” I thought.
One recent night, the Lord brought me to the story of Esther, an orphaned Jew who was raised by her cousin, Mordecai. Through a series of events, Esther won the favor of the Persian king and was crowned queen.
Later, the king elevated a man named Haman to a position higher than all the other nobles, and commanded all the royal officials at the king’s gate to kneel down and pay homage to Haman. Everyone complied except Mordecai, who would only bow down to God. This enraged Haman and therefore, he devised a plot to kill Mordecai and all the Jews.
Mordecai knew that only queen Esther could approach the king’s throne to thwart this plan of genocide. But to appear before the king uninvited could result in death. Esther was afraid. But Mordecai pointed her to a much higher purpose, saying,
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
Esther boldly entreated the king, and the king granted her request. She was able to reveal Haman’s evil plot, and in the end, Haman was executed, and Mordecai was made second in command in his place. The Jews were able to defend themselves from the decree that was issued, and as a result, a nation was saved.
Have you ever wondered if you’ve been called “for such a time as this?”
Well God brought me to this story when I was at the depths of doubt and uncertainty, and He gently reminded me that His plan will not be thwarted.
I often think we get so caught up in the mundane habits of our prayer life that we miss the little opportunities God shares with us in the quiet moments of our hearts. Perhaps God wakes you up in the middle of the night as well, but either way, won’t you listen for His still small voice? Maybe you need comfort, or reassurance, or guidance – I promise, He is there.
Questions to ponder:
- What is God is nudging you to do that you are hesitant to undertake?
- How can you embrace your position “for such a time as this”?
- In what ways can you trust that He will carry you through it?
- Would you be willing to take the next step of faith to do what God is nudging you to do?