For Such A Time As This: God’s Purpose And Plan for You
Find comfort and courage in the story of Esther—God’s reminder that He is always in control, and has a purpose and plan for you.
Sometimes, when the world feels uncertain or heavy, I’m reminded that God has a plan for every season and person, including you and me. The story of Esther in the Bible shows how one woman’s courage and faith, guided by God’s unseen and ever-present hand, changed the course of history.
Even in the midst of a troubled world, the beauty around us reminds us that God is still with us and good. Lately, I’ve been praying often for peace. For the people of Israel and Gaza and for all those suffering from war, loss, and injustice. God’s Word continues to bring comfort and assurance.
Remembering What God Says
In times when we feel heavy with the cares of this world, it’s important to remember and speak God’s true word. Here are some scripture verses that speak to me. Maybe they will help you too!
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
The Story Of Esther
The Book of Esther has always been one of my favorites! It’s undoubtedly a rags-to-riches story, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a powerful account of God’s providence and timing.
Historical Background
The story of Esther takes place around 483–473 B.C. during the reign of King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I), who ruled the vast Persian Empire from India to Ethiopia. The Jewish people were living in exile, far from their homeland, after being conquered and scattered by foreign nations. It was a time of uncertainty, yet even then, God was quietly working behind the scenes to protect His people through one brave young woman.
Before Esther became queen, King Ahasuerus held a lavish banquet and summoned his wife, Queen Vashti, to appear before his guests. When she refused, the king removed her from her royal position. To find a new queen, he ordered that the most beautiful young women in the empire be brought to the palace. Among them was a young Jewish woman named Hadassah, known by her Persian name, Esther. She was raised by her cousin Mordecai, who had taught her to love and honor God.
Through God’s providence, Esther found favor with everyone she met, including the king, and he placed the royal crown upon her head. She went from being an orphaned exile to the queen of Persia, positioned by God for a purpose far greater than she could imagine.
When an evil man named Haman plotted to destroy the Jews, Queen Esther’s uncle Mordecai urged her to act courageously and plead with the king, even though approaching him without being summoned could mean death. Mordecai said to her:
For if you keep silent at this time, liberation and rescue will arise for the Jews from another place, and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this? Esther 4:14
Esther chose courage, and God used her obedience to save her people. The story ends in triumph for the faithful and justice for the wicked.
We Were Made For Such A Time As This
Like Esther, we, too, have been placed here for such a time as this. Whatever challenges or uncertainty surround us, God is still in control, just as He was in Esther’s time, and just as He always will be.
Jesus said,
These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
For those who trust in Jesus, that promise is everything. We can have real peace even in the most challenging circumstances because our Savior has already overcome the world.
So take heart, friend. No matter what you face, you can rest in the truth that God is faithful and present. He has not forgotten you. Worry and fear are thieves that rob us of joy, but faith restores peace. When anxiety creeps in, run to God’s Word. It is where truth and comfort dwell.
Instead of letting fear take hold, thank God that you are living right now, in this exact moment, because He has a purpose for you. Ask Him to use you to bring comfort, joy, and encouragement to others. You and I are both here for such a time as this to glorify God and make a difference wherever He’s placed us.
Words To Think About
I HAVE TOLD YOU THAT IN ME YOU MAY HAVE PEACE. IN THIS WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE. BUT TAKE HEART, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD.
John 16:33
Happy Sunday, friends…
Thank you so much for this timely reminder that God is, in fact, in control. Even though it may not seem like it sometimes. I needed this today.
Thank you for a sweet reminder this morning. I do love this story and it was good to re-visit. You could have built it up even more by referring to her negative mother in law, and what inner strength it must have been for Esther to rise up. She was a blessing for her people and God.
Happy Sunday, I was feeling a bit “blue” due the time change, COVID, and thinking of how to best navigate the holidays, you reminded me, I was made for such a time as this! I’m often the “joy giver” in my family, work, and friend relationships, and maybe that’s my role for a bit longer. I just need to remind myself to keep filling my own tank!
You eloquently expressed my thoughts
Loved this post and read the story of Esther. It helped put everything into perspective. Thanks for the encouraging words!
God bless you Cindy! By the way, I’m a Pratt too.
Thank you for this post. Sometimes we need to be reminded of things. Today feels like it is that type of day for me. I love the story and your gentle reminder was lovely.
Good morning, I’m so thankful I found your site after visiting OSP. You nailed the message we all need to hear. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Have a blessed day
God bless your day too! So glad you found StoneGable.
Dear Yvonne, what a comforting, encouraging, and timely post!! I deeply needed this reminder, that God is in control. I was looking at my circumstances and allowing the enemy to make me feel hopeless. God bless you! ❤?
We are not hopeless if we are in Christ! We are MORE THAN VICTORIOUS!
I love your Sunday editions. For the past 10 years I dealt with my hubby having Lewy Body Dementia. The last 5 after he got the diagnosis. This past year was awful for him. He fell a lot; I tore my meniscus trying to help him; EMTs became our best friends; and in May, when I could no longer continue, I placed him in memory care. I was finally feeling a little like myself again when my ceiling in the family room crashed to the floor without warning. For a month I and my big dog had to live with various relatives during repair. I had just gotten back into my house when my hubby took a turn for the worse and died. If not for the promises of God I could not have made it. Keep on sharing His Word ad promises. You are doing a good thing…bringing hope.
Nita,God bless you! I am so sorry for your loss! Hugs to you today
Beautifully said! PTL for you and the message you bring!
Yes, Praise God!
Thank you for the beautiful post and story of how God is always with us, ‘in such a time a this.’ When we’re filled with the Holy Spirit through God’s word and prayer we can make a difference! Exactly as you said: ‘be a joy, a comforter and a help’. We need to support one another this way and be His light in this time. God Bless you, and enjoy your beautiful Fall Sunday!
This is perfect Yvonne, thank you for this so very true. Fear is a liar and a bully! I love the story of Esther, what a woman of character, conviction and faith she was! Happy Sunday! Be blessed!
You are right, Kathleen! Fear is a bully! Thanks for reminding us
You are such an amazing woman. I look forward to your Sunday blogs. Well, actually I look forward to all your blogs. But on Sundays you always come through and show how much you love the Lord. You’re blogs have a true Christian spirit and they always make me closer to God and helps lift my spirits during a trying time. So Thank you.
I agree with you in this sentence “Ask Him to show you how to be a joy and a comforter and a help”, as most of us are so worried about how things may turn out eventually. I was calling some students’ parents last Friday and one of these people sounded so, so sad, that from memory I have just called her home again. Her husband answered the phone and He couldn’t believe there are people praying for his wife to get better. I firmly believe it deals with the current situation the world is under. So, if somebody else would like joining praying for this family, I am a hundred per cent certain, everything will improve for her.
I am worried about the way the world is going, but I am sure He is is charge and will keep all of us safe from illness and safe from despair and deep sadness.
Big smile for you, yours, everybody on this blog, but specially for those that really, really are more in need to feel His LOVE.
Huge hug from Spain once more,
Charo
Charo, I can just read the love in your heart, friend! It is so comforting!
Charo, I will pray for healing on the family you need help for. God is so good and I truly believe the more that pray the faster the healing. God bless your loving Spirit.
Thanks so much! It means the world to me. Lots of good people here.
Big hug for you and yours,
Charo
Hugs right back Charo! xo
Charo, sending many prayers from Texas your friends way??????
Thank you Yvonne.
Thank you for your thoughtful lessons. I hope you have a blessed week.
How do you share your post? I would love to share these wise words from you on my Facebook page. I see share this post, but it’s not clickable.
You can copy the url (the https:… at the top of the Sunday Scripture page and then paste it into your FB post. Hope this helps.
I’m enjoying this Sunday morning, reading about Esther and trying to remember that we are not the first to go through such devastating times, that plagues and and other things have happened in biblical proportions yet the world has survived. We can only control how we react. I’m going to try to do better.
What a great reminder. We can react with fear and anxiety or we can react with trust and anticipate how God will move in our lives. Thank you! How we act is such a witness to others.
Amen!! Thank you for sharing this beautiful lesson. Your blog is truly inspirational. Have a wonderful week and God Bless You.
Thank you, Patty! God bless you too!
Thank you my sister in Christ for the gentle and loving reminder. God is in control of everything. I am grateful for your ministry. You decorate my heart.
LOL! Oh, I love that! Thank you.
Thank you for your wise words of truth! I have always enjoyed the book of Esther and it’s a good reminder that God can empower us to be brave and courageous. I am grateful for His peace that I have experienced during this upside-down season. Thank you for the beautiful way you share your heart with us.
Yes, Lora! We all need that “peace that surpasses all understanding”.
I simply cannot wait to meet Queen Esther! Thank you for sharing today…….it was just what I needed to read. And God wins. He has overcome the world! And knows my journey of grief and pain. I am so thankful and blessed by those promises. Be blessed today as you move about your day. I know I will.
Excellent, timely and well written! Thank you! This is a great post to start the week.
Thank you!
Amen ! I also love this true story ??✝️
I love the story. It is so true. As you said we may be worried and fearful but we must put our trust in our Heavenly Father. Have a wonderful day.
Thank you so much for this reminder. God is our only hope and He is in control.
Amen!!!
Amen!
I always look forward to Sunday and your beautiful words about our Lord and Savior. Thank you for sharing your faith.
I love your wise words! Thanks so much for sharing your Sunday blessings!
Happy Fall love the month of November!!
Thank you for these words of wisdom. I believe in God’s holy word. Sometimes we need a reminder and an encouraging word.
I’ll add another AMEN from a sister-in-Christ!
Thank you. Sometimes I need a reminder
I really needed that today. Thank you.
What a blessing this has been to me today! Thank you for reminding us how very truly blessed we are!
I wholeheartedly agree God is in control and I know my life and times are in His hands!
Thank you for sharing.
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AMEN! Thank you Yvonne, just what you needed to hear today.
Sorry, I meant to say what I needed to hear today!
Thank you so much – I live each day with the fact that no matter what happens, God is now, always has been and always will be in control.
Yes, He and He alone is our only SOURCE!
I too am a believer and I do appreciate you and all of your posts. Please keep up the great work you are going! You inspire me for decorating my home as well as my walk with Jesus. God Bless you!
So very beautiful and true! We must pray continuously to recognize His everlasting presence. Thank you for an amazing Sunday reflection!
You are so right, Barbara! God bless you.
Just to let you know how much I enjoy and look forward to your Sunday columns.
Thank you and God bless you.
Pati
Thank you for saying so. God bless you.
Thank you friend for this post. I needed to hear this. Esther is one of my favorite stories in the Bible as well. Have a Blessed week
Annmarie ????
You are so welcome, Ann Marie! God bless you.
Beautiful. I think we all need this. The world seems so heavy right now. Every day we listen to the news and feel so alone and helpless. I also have been praying more. My heart hurts for all those people especially children that are suffering for no reason.
We are never alone. Praise God! But I know how you feel.
Yes so glad that God is in control