Called for a Purpose

For years, I struggled with my calling—God’s purpose for my life. What did God want to me to do? What was His ultimate plan?

After I became a Christian, I desperately wanted to please God. I knew Jeremiah 29:11 promised that God had a purpose and a plan for the nation of Israel: “For I know the plans I have for you … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV). But what exactly did that mean for me?

I took every step filled with caution and even fear. What if I went in the wrong direction? Would God be displeased with me? When opportunities arose, those questions often caused me to panic, keeping me from stepping out in faith. But then I began to wonder: what if I failed to step into the very thing God’s calling me to do? I didn’t want to miss His plan.

In situations like this, I am reminded of Esther. Esther was in the right place at the right time to step up and fulfill God’s plan and protect the Jews. God worked through her in an amazing way—a way in which many of us long to be used.

“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).

That’s why I love this verse. It holds so much power. But often, I overlook the journey that got Esther to the place where she could be used by God. Esther was an orphan, raised by her cousin Mordecai. This young lady, to our knowledge, had no royal aspirations, but she earned favor with the king and became queen during a very turbulent time for the Jewish people. She, too, was hesitant to step up and approach the king when Haman passed an edict to destroy her people. But Mordecai pushed her forward, and she became an instrumental part of God’s plan.

Esther’s journey wasn’t just about this one moment. God was directing her steps the entire way even though she probably didn’t realize it. He brought her to the city of Susa to live with Mordecai. He opened the door for her royal selection. And He gave her favor with everyone she met, including the king.

God brought her each step of the way so that she would be in the right place at the right time. Her life was ordinary, but she was obedient and followed God to the position He had prepared for her. And when the moment came for her to approach the king, even though he had not summoned her, she took a step of faith. If he did not accept her, she would be killed. That took incredible bravery.

God has a calling and purpose for each of His children—just like He did for Esther. As I have walked this journey with Him, I have learned that He leads and guides me in very ordinary ways—sometimes without me even noticing it. And it’s in the middle of our ordinary, everyday lives that God often brings us to the right place at the right time to make an extraordinary difference in someone’s life.

Are you ready for that moment?

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.