‘Such A Time As This’: What The Story of Esther Teaches Us About Purpose

Last month we celebrated International Women’s Day (or week…. month…. however we see it!) but to not confine celebrating women to one month, now is as good a time as any to look at Esther’s story, and the message that we all can take from it:

We were created for such a time. And that time is today.

Knowing who we are and Whose we are really helps us to find our purpose and what we were created for. I’ll be honest with you, the word ‘purpose’ was a scary word to me when I first became a Christian. For me, trying to discover what I was created to do was a tad overwhelming and often I felt the pressure to figure out where I fit in and what I should be doing as quickly as possible.

I often find myself going back to Esther’s story when I feel this way.

Interestingly, God is not mentioned once in her story, but you can see her faith, calling and determination to go after Him in every single chapter. I think it’s safe to say Esther did something pretty remarkable for her people, she actually changed history! She was bold and refused to stand down to fear. (If you haven’t read the book of Esther in the Bible, I highly encourage it!)

But she was a girl just like us, who (also like us) probably questioned who she was and what she should be doing with her life. Like Esther, we can be bold, choose to focus on God, and refuse to let fear guide our actions.

However, there’s a question you might be asking: ‘Okay all that sounds great- but what is my purpose? What am I for?’

We can be called to different things and for different seasons. Maybe right now you are called to be a student or work that internship. The beauty is it will be different for each of you reading this. Some of us will have known since we were in primary school that we were called to go into a certain career or to take part in activity clubs. While, for some of us it’s not as clear and we need to try a few things to see what we love and where we fit in (I’m joining you over here!).

We can be called into areas that show- case our skills and talents, what we are good, and how we can use those things to help others.

But we can also be called to the little things. The little things that are found in our everyday that can easily be overlooked but can actually bless people the most.

For example:

• We can be called to have a coffee with a friend who needs a chat with no judgement, who needs a friend who will listen.
• We can be called to pray for someone who is reaching out.
• We can be called to offer words of encouragement to someone who will receive this in perfect time.
• We can be called to start that blog, to start that crafts hobby, to get involved in the community that will have a ripple effect of blessing and opportunity.

No matter who you are, your age and your doubts about what you’re capable of…. You matter. You really matter. I would repeat that all day to you if I could. You were handcrafted, chosen by God for such a time as this, with purpose and a reason to be here.

Go on, have think. Take a journal and write away if it helps. What ideas are on your heart to bless those around you? What cause, charity, organisation have you always wanted to find out more of and get involved in?

These little tugs and thoughts are often the Holy Spirit leading you to your “such a time as this” purposes. And when it’s a call from Him, it is very much worth pursuing.