Seeking Opportunities

Good Morning,

Esther 4:14 (NKJV)
"Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Our verse today from the Book of Esther speaks about the fact that, perhaps, Esther was exactly where she was for a specific reason and at just the right time. Coincidence? In the case of Esther we know that coincidence had absolutely NOTHING to do with where she was and when it came to pass. We know it was God's plan for her to be at the right place at the right time with the right solution (read the entire book to more fully understand if you aren't familiar with it, a marvelous account of how God sometimes works).

So, why wouldn't God do exactly the same thing with you or me? The fact is, He not only can or will place us exactly where He wants us for His purpose at exactly the right time, HE DOES!!! And, I firmly believe that He does it all the time. You see the challenge isn't with God not placing us where He needs us, it's with US, you and I, not understanding or seeing what God wants of us.

In a devotional I read recently Richard L. Mabry of Texas writes, "I'm convinced there are circumstances every day in which we come into contact with those who need a special touch that we can give. It's up to us to be open to these opportunities and to actively look for them. Who knows? Perhaps that's why we've come to a particular place and time." There couldn't be a truer statement made than this.

Do we see it? Do we feel it? Perhaps and, unfortunately, perhaps not. But, if we don't, then I firmly believe the fault lies within us as we just don't actively seek out ways in which we can be of help to someone who has a need. Then, the truly unfortunate thing is the fact that we have been inundated with the "me, me, me" attitude of the world and don't want to be bothered by others, especially when we see they need some help.

God does put us in a place at a time when He can use us to help spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. That's the point. Maybe it's to help someone put their groceries into their car. Perhaps it's the older man down the street who's lawn needs mowing or fence needs fixing. Could be that lady we saw standing by her car with tears in her eyes because it won't start. Oh, there's simply innumerable opportunities that God places in front of us to do something at exactly the right time, just as He did with Esther those thousands of years ago.

Our job, my friend, is to seek out those opportunities He places in front of us and then to act on them. Our job is to keep our eyes and ears open and then let our hearts be willing to do God's work as He would have us to do.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David