Finding Your Purpose (YouVersion Daily Refresh)

The story of Esther is a powerful testimony within the Scriptures. It tells about Esther who risked her life in order to save the people of God from danger. Esther faced the decision between what was easy and what was difficult, and she chose the more difficult way because it was the right thing to do.

Esther 4:14 points out that Esther’s purpose in life was tied to this very moment. She was crafted and shaped by God in order to fulfill His purposes in her generation. She was placed in this unique situation by God.

While most of us might not be servants in the house of a king or queen, we all have difficult decisions to make in life. Every day we are faced with situations that have easy answers, and some that are difficult.

The story of Esther teaches us that God has gifted each of us for a specific purpose. Even though the journey isn’t always easy, God promises to be with us as we follow the path He’s called us to.

Additionally, Esther did not accomplish her purpose alone. She had the support of her community fasting and praying for her. Similarly, we cannot make it through life alone. We need the support of our community praying for us. And they need us in their lives as well.

Take some time today to think about your own story. How is it similar to Esther’s? Consider the unique purpose that God has created you for. Pray to Him for strength to make the right decision in life, and to persevere in following where He leads.

My Thoughts

God has been speaking to me a lot lately through His Word about His purpose for me and whether I am fulfilling it or not. I sincerely want to follow the path God has laid out for me, but I am very aware that sometimes I have strayed and not done as the Holy Spirit was directing me. I am trying to get better, but I am not there yet.

The book of Esther is a story of courage, but as has been pointed out to me in every devotional and in my own reading, the Jewish people at that time were far from God. The times were dangerous and they were facing extinction. Yet there is no prayer in the book, no mention of God’s name. Esther does ask the community to fast, but that seems to be out of desperation, and I hope, her faith, but that is not mentioned.

I need the courage of Esther when I venture into the sinful world today. Seemingly innocent things like a new Snow White movie are actually sin in disguise, roping in innocent children to believe in a society that is not part of God’s plan. I haven’t really been going into the world a lot lately since I have been really ill for a couple of weeks now. I did go to my specialist yesterday, and the receptionist got a little snippy with me. You know the type…just put on a mask since you’re coughing and answer my questions even though you cannot breathe well. I said a silent prayer for strength and did the best I could. I am thankful that I did not reply with snark, my usual response especially when I am not feeling well. But the Spirit checked me and I tried to be kind and polite in spite of her somewhat unreasonable and curt demands. Where do doctor’s offices find these people who don’t really like sick people anyway? The result of my visit was six new prescriptions for a lingering infection and a visit next week to start injections of a biologic that is supposed to help me fight infections before they get such a firm grasp.

Back to Esther. Esther depended on her community to support her. We each need to have a community of supporters. I have a small group from church that contacts me when I am sick, checks on me and my husband and generally helps when we need it. I have a friend in my online Bible study. We meet online, but we have met in person as well. She contacted me yesterday because she said I had been on her mind and she felt she needed to check on me. I updated her on my health issues and we both felt better for being a part of each other’s lives. My “go-to” person when I need prayer is our daughter in Pennsylvania. She drops whatever she is doing and prays and will even drive the nine hours to get to us if she knows we need her. So, who is your community of believers that you can call on in all circumstances, those with whom you can be brutally honest about how you feel and what you are going through? I encourage you to find someone and form a mutually beneficial friendship with each other and with God. Just as Heather knew without my contacting her that I needed prayer, your relationship with another Bible-believing Christian opens the door for the Holy Spirit to keep those lines of communication open.

Whatever time we are born into is the time God meant for us to be present. He put me here in the 1950’s until now for a reason. Every day, my prayer is that in some way I can represent Him well. Times are sinful, non-believers are angry. But that has not changed since the time of Esther or the time of Jesus. Be present. Be mindful of each day that God gives you to carry out His purpose. That is how you will one day hear, “Well done!”