Made For This

I love the story of Ester.  It has inspired me to do many things that I never thought I would be able to do.  I have overcome huge obstacles, gotten through times of grief and heart break, I have accomplished things I never knew I could do, and I haven't done it alone.  God has been with me every step of the way.  In fact, He prepared me ahead of time for what was to come.

Life is unpredictable and often intimidating.  Things happen unexpectedly and fear can stop us from moving forward.  It is in those times that I remember this phrase "You have been made for a time such at this."

               For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion? 
                              Esther 4:14 Amplified

Before things happen to us, God has prepared us for them.  I frequently find God leading me to a verse or topic in the Bible (unrelated to what I am studying) only to find it is just what I needed that day.  It's like He is giving me the answer to the question before I hear the question.

God's plan for your life is uniquely yours.  Part of His plan is to prepare you for things to come so that when something happens, you are ready for it. God will equip you to handle everything and anything.  Even when you don't understand what He is doing, you can bank on the fact that He has a plan and He is getting you ready for what is to come.  Life is tough and none of us are spared from turmoil and heartache but as believers in Jesus Christ, we are guaranteed the victory if we do not quit (Gal. 6:9).

We may not understand why things happen the way they do but we can always trust that God will keep His word. Whatever He promises us - that is what He will do. So when times get rough and you don't know what to say or do, look to The Lord for guidance. Search your Bible for His promise that applies to your situation and speak His word. There have been times that I have read and said one verse over and over and over for many days to help me get through a tough situation without quitting or getting discouraged.

Never accept a time of trial as punishment but consider it an opportunity to learn and grow. Jesus promises that He will help you get through (Phil. 4:13) and that He has overcome the issue (John 16:33) but we will not have the victory if we quit.

On the flip side, through out our life, we will also be given opportunities to change.  I have used this verse to help me embrace change in order to reach a goal or take advantage of an offer.  God has opened many doors for me that had I not gone through them, I would still be unhappy and unstable.

Remind yourself frequently that God began a good work in you long before you knew Him.  He sent Jesus to remove your sins and give you the Holy Spirit.  What God starts, He will always finish.  So today, tomorrow, this week, or this month, no matter what happens remember that God is not only with you but He has prepared you for success and victory.

You have been made for a time such as this.
Heidirn