The Gift in Youনমুনা

Assigned for Such a Time

“For such a time as this” is a phrase tossed around frequently, often without much thought to the original meaning or context. It can mean special, chosen or set apart. Many people even quote Mordecai’s rebuke to Esther as a life-verse representing power and favor.

But what did this phrase really mean?

In His creation, everything and everyone plays such significant role for the fulfillment of God's purpose for men and nations. We were not just created haphazardly but in a specific family, in a specific nation and in a specific decade of time…”For such a time as this.” None of us chose our parents, our siblings, our birth-cities or the decade of our birth. If I doubt the Creator’s intentionality of my life and my assignment, then I am likely to dismiss my purpose for such. 

When we look at the life of Esther throughout the book titled in her name, this phrase actually refers to Esther being scolded for her self-indulgent, self-preserving mindset. She was living for her own agenda versus the Lord’s greater purposes. It is so easy to be self-centered. It is so easy to live an indulgent lifestyle. However, I don’t’ want to miss His grander purposes for my life because I am wrapped up in my own agenda. Do you?

“For such a time as this”. These words beckon us to consider the “Larger Story” of purpose and intention. We should pause and question this idea. Maybe we all need to be reminded of our destiny, set aside our own interests and yield to the greater work at hand. This requires a heart to look outward for serving others, versus a looking inward to serve myself. This is a choice set before us.

God has given each of us a job, position, strengths, education and more. God has opened doors and opportunities to optimize His kingdom purposes. He didn’t place you or me where we are so we could waste our days on social media and selfish endeavors. He’s placed us wherever we are with intention for the battlefield. You and I are in the midst of daily conflict involving good versus evil. Are we participating by design, or are we haphazardly wasting our days?

We don’t want to miss a kingdom assignment because we’ve become too caught up in our personal indulgences. This would be a great tragedy. We need to view our lives through the lens of “such a time as this” in order to activate greater awareness of the possibilities of ministry right in front of us. An entire nation was grateful for how Esther responded to Mordecai’s rebuke. Their lives were spared. How many souls can be spared in the culture where we live today when we choose to step up to service, even if it involves sacrifice?

The influence of the indwelling Holy Spirit aids our understanding and insight into His purposes. Ask for this guidance and then respond in service. Any time that you see a need and you have the resources to provide, then answer the call. There are so many places that all of us can serve “at this time.”  Considering the potential impact that one life can make on another, we must question our availability for such usefulness. When God calls, He is serious. We need to remain aware and ready to yield to the greater work at hand which is often to “the least of these” …simply your neighbor on your right and on your left.

Ponder

What are some ways the Lord is asking you to sacrifice on behalf of His purpose of serving others? What’s one step you can take to move more fully into His calling of surrender to Him on behalf of His greater plan for such a time as this?

Prayer

Lord, turn my heart and my mind toward You and toward the role You have chosen for me “for such a time as this.” Help me to put Your will and Your purpose ahead of my own. I humbly bow before You and ask for Your guidance, as well as Your courage to live out the calling I’ve been given.