Bright Spot: God puts us in right place at right time
A college friend of mine was a Greek national. He spoke ancient and modern Greek, and English better than I (or is it “better than me?”). In New Testament Greek class, he explained the root of the word most English Bibles translate “helps” in the list of spiritual gifts (Romans 12, I Corinthians 12).
That word is often used on the soccer field (football to the rest of the world) describing the player who has the uncanny sense and skill to be in the right place at the right time. If you know soccer at all, you know that’s a key to both offensive power and defensive punch.
Queen Esther was a Jewish girl who was put into the number two position of power in the palace of ancient Persia (modern Iran). Persia controlled the world at that time. An evil Persian had plotted to get all the Jews in exile in Persia killed because he hated the Jews. Anti-semitism is not new.
Esther, of course, appealed to her husband, the Persian king, to save her people. But the king had signed a law approving this genocide, and the laws of the Medes and Persians could not be changed or broken.
Through the creativity of the Spirit of God, this heroine was inspired with a plan that would save her people by allowing them to launch a pre-emptive strike against the people who wanted them dead.
Those intense days while they waited for Esther’s plan to work, a little like the awful waiting days of the Ukrainians today, became the annual festival-holiday called Purim, March 7-9.
Esther was in the right place at the right time: “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this." (Esther 4:14)
Maybe you feel misplaced in your job, whether that’s in the factory, office, school, church, medical suite or home – paid or volunteer. Just maybe your Creator God who loves you, put you there, ill fit or not, for such a time as this. He can use you in spite of, not just because of, your talents, or lack of them.
Another Bible story in Jeremiah 29 has a key verse, often inscribed on wall plaques hung in Christian homes: “Behold the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you...plans to give you a future and a hope.” This story illustrates the classic quote: “Bloom where you’re planted.”
Trying to figure out what that looks like, then actually blooming, will make you a helper that’s always in the right place at the right time.
Rick Sams is pastor emeritus of Alliance Friends Church.
This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Bright Spot: God puts us in right place at right time
