Happenstance or More than Chance?

Have you ever wondered why you find yourself in unusual circumstances? Or wondered why you are living in a certain time and place instead of some other? Many people feel that way at times, except for maybe Alexander the Great, but his self-image was scary, delusional. He was definitely not a role model. Let’s look at the life of Esther, who came from the insignificant background of an orphan living in exile to a place of royalty and influence. She was reminded that she may have attained her position “for such a time as this”, to speak out and make a difference. And she did.

A beautiful, orphaned Jewess was thrust into the king’s harem and chosen to become his next queen. I don’t think it was a romantic, glamorous dream come true. He was probably much older and he was a man who was feared by many, including Esther. If she dreamed of being in love, her hopes were most likely shattered. Except for the fatherly love of Mordecai, her uncle, who raised her as his own daughter. Besides her beauty, Esther possessed a strength and wisdom that probably were, in part, attributed to the attentive care, godly upbringing and advice of Mordecai. I can imagine the contrast between her former way of life and her life as queen. It must have been extreme in every conceivable way.

Were the events of her life merely determined by the whims of a king sitting in his opulent palace or was there a higher plan at work? By virtue of her position, she had the favor of the king at a time when she could intervene to prevent the annihilation of the Jews. And she did so, even at the risk of her own life.

“Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance 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?” Mordecai to Esther (Esther 4:13-14)

Anyone who entered the inner court of the king without being summoned would be put to death unless the king extended his gold scepter. Esther took the risk, and was received. Esther did not arrogantly and defiantly come before the king with her request. After a period of prayer and fasting, she went before the king to invite him along with his highest official, who was the enemy of the Jews, to a banquet for two days before she made her request known. She realized the importance of timing. The outcome was great, but she was willing to take the risk even if it cost her.

There are no insignificant places or people, but there are endless opportunities to make a difference on a small or large scale if we will open our hearts and see needs around us.

There is a need for modern-day Esthers.
And there is also a need for modern-day Mordecais.

Will you be an Esther?
Speak out in the face of injustice, even if it may cost you.
Take the lead when something needs to be done, but with wisdom.
See the significance of the time and circumstances in which you live.
Don’t allow a difficult or seemingly insignificant background to hold you back in life.

Will you be a Mordecai?
Be a man or woman who cares for the next generation.
Give love, wisdom and encouragement to a young person when it is needed.

Simpl-if-(I)

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” -Hans Hofmann, artist
(painting, left)

Simplicity seems to be an oasis in a desert of increasing complexity. Simple ideas abound. Simple design. Simple holidays. Simple meals. Simple church. Merriam-Webster defines simplify as: to reduce to basic essentials; to diminish in scope or complexity; to make more intelligible: clarify. To simplify is not a matter of adding a simple concept to an already demanding, stressful lifestyle, but of streamlining life to match an overarching framework.

In the maddening rush, sit down and contemplate whether or not you need to simplify your life. It takes a conscious decision, a deliberate effort until new habits are formed.

Find your treasure
"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” (Matthew 13:44)
What brings joy to your life? What do you love? What do you worship? What is the reason behind why you do what you do? In this parable, the man was joyful about selling all that he had because he knew there was a treasure not readily apparent to any person who may pass by the seemingly unimpressive field. In this world, the things that dazzle and delight on the surface do not always deliver when people try to find life in them. The true treasure of knowing God and His love, salvation, forgiveness, joy, peace and life are sometimes stumbled upon and sometimes sought out, but are not readily apparent. When you treasure something, life orbits around that thing. So be careful what you treasure.

Streamline accordingly
Once you know why you do what you do, decisions are easier to make. You can prioritize accordingly. For example, if you want to walk with God, love people, and serve others in the areas of your abilities, your calendar should match those priorities. Your financial decisions should also reflect your priorities. Conversely, it is easier to decide what NOT to do.

Do what you do best
Usually our greatest talents lie in doing what we love to do, so it makes sense to develop those areas to the fullest. The greatest contributions are made when we focus on our strengths and serve in those areas. We can be grateful for the contributions of people who have excelled in their fields, leaving a legacy of inspiring works of art, literature, music, discoveries, medical breakthroughs, changed lives, etc. Back to the overarching framework: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (Col 3:17)