I'm amazed at how no matter where a person is in life, we are here for such a time as this. God has His Kingdom in mind. When we enter into relationship with the King of all kings we can know that He has brought us to this place for such a time as this.
The Book of Esther is chock full of suspense. It is filled with evildoers, unsuspecting people, a clueless king and an amazing woman. Esther shows how we can be here "for such a time as this."
I am seeing this play out in my own life, not that I haven't made some dents I may not even be aware of!
When we come into relationship with the Lord we can't help but influence someone somewhere...unless we live under a rock, which sometimes I think I do!! But He will use our lives, good or bad before Him, to be an influence. It's actually exciting when you realize it.
Many times it's not even about us; it's about someone else and especially about God and His will being done. If we choose to ignore to delve into a situation set before us, God's plan will still be played out...through someone else. But it is we who may miss out on something if we don't take hold of a circumstance (and most likely many).
Who wants to miss out on something good? We are called to be of service to God. I think sometimes we don't even know we are in His service if we are doing something out of the very depths of our hearts. It's just something we do without thinking. Yet I know there are times when I know I should do something and don't. And I'm not talking about filling bird feeders on a rainy day!
Oh, that the reality of what He wants us to do day to day would be so evident. Not for our own satisfaction, or pride, but that we might see a glimpse of what God wants to accomplish in someone else's life through us. But this would take away the awesomeness of God's glory in a situation.
We are nothing, can do nothing worthwhile, if God is not behind it. Our works are as filthy rags, we are told, and when in relationship with Christ what we then do has greater meaning because we do it for Him.
Look at it like this: We are created and born for a specific purpose. This alone should be exciting. It's God's specific purpose to start out. We begin our life doing on our own, to suit our own pleasures. We aren't yet understanding about God and His purposes. The purposes are borne out of our own desires...but He's still behind the scene for many. A day comes when the realization of Christ is presented to us. If we choose to change direction the things we do are more for Him, and eventually when we have a better understanding, all for Him. The closer we walk the more we do nothing out of selfish ambition or pride but just because...He is working in us.
We may not see the greatest reward here on earth, but we will in heaven. We will have blessings as a result of our good works but probably not what we would have expected. Oh, how He works to keep the pride under wraps! But we will find that living for the King is easier when we allow Him to do what He is best able to do, when we give Him control...and give Him the glory.
It comes as a defining moment...something purposeful...something called God's will...something that seems impossible but when "in God's will" turns out miraculous. It's our purpose on earth. It's a concept that is sometimes difficult to understand. It takes the only good work we can do...that of obedience...being in relationship with Christ. The greatest rewards come from doing this.
John 14:12 - Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
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