Do you ever wonder where your “kingdom” is? Your sphere, your “place” in life, that sweet spot where you soar? Or are you always looking beyond the here-and-now, waiting to be at the right place at the right time so you can truly live? Whether you’re up to your pits in diapers, run ragged by teens, or struggling with the fact that you’re not getting any younger and your body keeps reminding you of that fact—your kingdom is right where you are today, and you get to be queen…
Just like our friend of yesteryear: Queen Esther. I LOVE the story of Esther—not because of her crazy courage or the bizarre beauty pageant or her awesome Uncle Mordecai, but because we see God at work. His finger traces through the entire story, right from little orphan Esther being raised by her God-fearing uncle, to the pinnacle of her position as queen. God is in the midst walking with her, each stiletto-step of the way.
Our “kingdoms” may not be royal palaces (let’s get real) and we may not hold the balance of genocide in the palms of our sweaty little hands (read her whole story HERE) but God is still the very same God he was back in Esther’s time. We are His daughters, royalty, just as Esther was. God can use us in the same way that He used her, with His might and power and guidance and wisdom, for His glory.
You see, as much as we (I) like to think otherwise, this is not all about us. It’s not our kingdom. It’s not our story. Just as it was not all about Esther.
It’s all about God.
“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17
Throughout the ages to this very day, He’s been working His purposes through those with willing hearts. Am I willing? Are you? Do we have the courage and faith of Esther to obey God in the little kingdom where we find ourselves today?
As Uncle Mordecai pointed out to Esther, God will continue the story with or without us. If we duck out of divine opportunities placed before us, we are the only ones who miss out. God’s ultimate plan will still be fulfilled—but what blessing and joy we deny ourselves!
The super good news? God doesn’t expect us to rustle up the courage all on our lonesome. Just as Esther approached the King’s throne to beg him for mercy and help, so we get to approach our Heavenly Father to give us all the strength and all the wisdom:
I don’t know about you, my friend, but I don’t want to miss out on any kingdom work that God thinks I’m ready for. In our children, workplace, friend group, baby group, school, neighbourhood, writing, giving, fund-raising, whatever our kingdoms look like TODAY, we can make a difference. Baby steps or giant leaps. Stilettos or sneakers.
Where is your kingdom, and are you there “for such a time as this”?
(SO preaching to myself… 🙂 )
Linking up with some fabulous encouragers! Check them out:
