A Cut Above the RestSample

Accepting Tough Masters

The greatest contribution that Mordecai made to Esther was not in raising her in the Jewish faith, or as a virtuous young lady, or in grooming her for her role as a future queen to Artaxerxes. But it was when he knocked at her door and woke her up from her royal reverie; when he plucked her from a life of rose-petal showers, perfume-moistened attire, pampered manicures and palanquin-carrying servants and dropping her unkindly on the ground of the stark reality that was facing her people − the impending annihilation of the Jews by Haman. That one act reminded her of her true calling; it put her back in her rightful place and prepared her for her most pivotal role – saving her people's lives.

If not for Mordecai, Esther would have easily missed her calling and destiny. That's why we all need some bold, audacious, uncompromising people in our lives who will keep unsettling us every now and then. If not for them, we would never get to where we rightfully ought to be.

I work for a tough boss. His standards of excellence are sometimes very hard to meet. He always has an input to give, a thought to share, a suggestion here or a recommendation there. Many times, I have stepped out of his office wondering if I will ever be able to satisfy his high standards. Fifteen years have rolled by. Today his drive for high standards has rubbed off on me. I don’t settle for a quick finish. I strive for excellent output, no matter how many iterations it takes.

Thank God for all the tough but well-meaning people in your life. Be open to rebuke, hard counsel, strict correction and tough talk that you are sometimes forced to deal with. It is preparing you for greatness. No man ever achieved greatness all by himself or herself.

Sometimes we might even end up with people who don’t mean well. It can be challenging to cope with them. But we need to remember that God has placed every person in our lives for a specific purpose. Keep pressing on and continue working for the Lord. (Col 3:22, 23)

Dear Lord, unsettle me, so my comfortable position doesn’t stop me from reaching my God-appointed destiny. Amen