Planned with a Purpose
I want you to think about a time that God failed you. Recall a time when He let you down and led you in the wrong direction.
Can’t think of any can you?
That’s because God doesn’t make mistakes. He didn’t make a mistake when He created you, and He didn’t make a mistake when He laid your path out before you.
We have all gone through periods in our lives when we question our purpose. It can be difficult working toward an unknown destination, moving forward when we are unsure why certain things are happening. But in your life, you have seen for yourself that God’s plan is perfect even if it doesn’t make sense to us.
When I think about the concept of being created for a purpose, I like to think of Queen Esther. Now there are countless stories in the Bible that can speak to God’s design, but Esther’s story has always been my favorite. Not only does she embody the kind of faith and strength I think we should all strive for, but her story demonstrates God’s endless provision. From the beginning her time is filled with uncertainty. She is taken from her home and spends twelve months waiting for the king to decide her fate {2:1-18}. Her people are persecuted because of one man’s anger and she must fear her heritage will be revealed {3:5-6; 4:12, 16b}. Her beloved cousin is targeted because He refuses to bow to Haman {5: 9-14}.
There is not much context given to what Esther’s life was like before the king begins his search for a new bride. All the Bible tells us is that she was raised by her cousin. But I imagine Esther still believed her life would move forward in the typical fashion for a young Jewish woman. She would seek out a husband and, with Mordecai’s approval and blessing, would begin to build a family with that man. Her primary purpose being to care for and raise her family. This predictable life she likely imagined for herself was changed just because she was beautiful.
But I want you to think about something.
God designed her that way. He made her to look a certain way so that she would catch the attention of the eunuch and ultimately the king. Even something as simple as her appearance was thoughtfully crafted to fulfill God’s purpose.
In my most recent study of the book of Esther, I was able to view her story through a new lens. I took a deeper look at the way in which God fulfilled His purpose. I had never thought about what would have happened if Esther would not have confronted Haman. I assumed the Jews would have perished. But that is placing far too much power into human hands.
“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14
God’s will is something that is accomplished regardless of our actions. God chose to save His people from Haman’s wrath, and that was going to happen whether Esther did her part or not.
We know that God’s will is always going to come to fruition. So why not be obedient, fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives?
God gives us so much and asks for so little in return!
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you.”
Ephesians 1:18a
Many people spend their lives searching for meaning and purpose. We as Christians have the joy of a heavenly Father who already has a perfect plan for us. It’s yet another gift from God we need only accept.
