For Such a Time as This: Your Unique Qualifications

And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom
for such a time as this?
(Esther 4:14b)

​ ESTHER’S UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS

What if your unique hardships/trials enable you to encourage others as they move along in their life?

Esther faced a difficult decision: Should she risk her life to tell the king about an issue he might not even care about, or should she stay quiet and safe while her people were wiped out? She had been chosen to become queen over every other young woman in her nation. The Lord had blessed her.

On the other hand, her people faced extinction. One of the king’s most trusted advisors despised the Jews and convinced the King to turn against them. Mordecai (Esther’s cousin, who also served the king) convinced her that she had been born specifically for the time and place in which she was living. Through prayer, Esther gained courage to speak to the king. The trusted advisor was stopped, and the Jews were saved.

WE ALL HAVE UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS

All of us have unique stories. Whether you have a chronic illness or not, you were created to live in the time and place you do right now.

I use a TENS unit to help manage my pain when I am in the middle of a flare. A TENS unit is an external device you can wear which sends pulses to your brain overriding certain pain signals. Last summer, one of my coworkers pulled a muscle in her back right before a road trip. She was prescribed muscle relaxers, but couldn’t use them in order to remain clear-minded during the thirteen-hour, cross-country drive. At the time of her injury, I had been flare-free for a couple months, so I lent her one of my TENS. Because of my experience with pain, I was able to empathize with her and show her Christ’s love.

Your life might feel insignificant in light of everything going on in the world, but you were placed in your exact family on this exact date because God has a unique plan for you. You will make a difference in a way that no one else can. Even with chronic illness you have unique qualifications. You are loved, and you are special. You were made for such a time as this.

PRAYER

Oh Lord, show me how you can use me to further your kingdom today. While my path hasn’t been easy, I know that you have a purpose. Help me to use my story to encourage others in their lives. In your name, Amen.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER:

• We all have unique ways we can encourage those around us. Sometimes we can empathize, sometimes we can help someone starting on the journey of chronic illness, sometimes we can write a note to show a friend they are seen. What is a way you can encourage those around you today?
• Esther’s purpose was to stand up for her people. You may not need to stand up for your nation, but your life is filled with places to be courageous—whether sharing your faith or standing up for what is right. How have you been courageous recently?
• How can you be courageous this week?