There's a song by Crystal Lewis called, "For Such a Time as This." The title may sound familiar. The words are what Mordecai chose to challenge Esther to do the extremely difficult. To summarize the situation, in Esther 3:12-13 we are informed that King Ahasuerus gave instruction to "destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day." Mordecai sent word to Esther, the queen, and commanded that she go to the king and plead with him on behalf of her people. The danger for Esther was that she had not been called by the king, which could cost her her life (Esther 4:11). Mordecai's reply to Esther ended with "And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" None of us can relate to the task set before Esther, but we all have a task, a calling the Lord has set before us. I confront mine each time I go to work.

You see, I was quite content in life when the Lord began to stir something deep inside my heart. My spirit and my mind were unsettled as I knew He was preparing me to do something that He hadn't yet revealed to me. That began nine years ago this month.

I can identify with the description in Crystal Lewis' song of how those "windless waters are so much more peaceful." It would have been easy to give the Lord my list of inadequacies when He revealed to me that I would become a nurse. I could have unnecessarily reminded Him that I was never a strong math or science student and that a bachelor's in nursing meant a bachelor's in science. I could have pleaded that I couldn't be on my legs for extended periods of time. Or used my children, explaining that I couldn't be the mom I wanted to be while pursuing a career.  All excuses to avoid the challenge.

That would have been the windless water path. That would have been the "content to not ask those questions that stir the river, that move the waves."  But the Lord wanted something specific for my life and He will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6).

Each time that I step into my unit, and approach the desk to get my assignment I feel completely inadequate.  And I am; on my own. But my Father has equipped me with every good for doing His will (Hebrews 13:21), and He is providing people along the way to pour into my life to make me all He has called me to be. For instance, I spent the first three nights of this week working in our small satellite unit with two other nurses. They casually gave me words of affirmation and encouragement, and they took opportunities to teach me in such respectful and delicate ways. It's humbling and rewarding.

One day, I will look back and be so grateful that I chose to step out in faith to do the difficult. In all reality, I already am, yet I still have so far I hope to go. I love the ending to Crystal's song, "sometimes the thrill of soarin' has to begin with the fear of falling." There are times that we are so afraid of failing that we contemplate never trying. I have to admit that I considered such on the brink of nursing school, but what would I have missed? Look what all I would have missed, and all that is in store!

Climbing higher means a steeper slope. A steeper slope means more discomfort and challenge. Are you in that windless water place? Is God calling you to climb higher?

At times, we don't think what we have to offer is so spectacular. Esther didn't feel extraordinary, but the work the Lord set before her was (read on through Esther 8). And He has set a work before each of us. If we don't step out in faith, if we turn away, then what will we miss?

Be blessed today as you climb higher in Him!

04 For Such A Time As This  click to hear "For Such a Time as This" by Crystal Lewis

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