For Such a Time as This

While analyzing Frankenstein with my students, the concept of seeking purpose resonates deeply in a world amidst so much uncertainty. Much like the creature Frankenstein created, it is what drives us to search for identity, form friendships, and plan for the future. When we are devoid of purpose, we feel lost. How we define purpose may be different; how we attain it is often unique. But the truth is, we search for this fulfillment to feel whole. This need is imprinted on our soul by our Creator. We were designed for purpose; we are formed to live out our purpose.

When I think of purpose, I think of Esther when she is told “[f]or if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” This phrase, “for such a time as this”, resonates in my spirit. When trials arise and we are tempted to ask why, the answer is simple. Our purpose is ordained by the Lord; whatever the season or trial that we find ourselves facing, we have been fully equipped to carry out. Esther, who had little confidence in herself, never aspired to save her family, let alone the Jewish population. She was a young woman thrust into a situation beyond what she felt prepared to handle. However, she found her purpose and was more than qualified to complete her task.

In Exodus, the Lord tells Moses that “...for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” Moses most likely was feeling a little out of his depth with the task before him. Even though we may not be called to face what Moses faced, we are nonetheless called to walk out our purpose: to glorify the Lord through our lives. In society, there are so many ways we can be connected and live as an example to others. However, there are so many ways our shortcomings can be highlighted and magnified. Even when we fall short, God is faithful to set us back on the right path and use our failings to refine our purpose. That is not to say we should seek to justify our missteps or sins; there are consequences to those actions. But, if we repent, we do not need to live in condemnation and fear of losing our purpose. It is not a single action, but the culmination of our lives and what we did with the time we are given.

Even before we were born, God had a plan that was designed to prosper us and “gives [us] hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Esther and Moses were called and qualified for their tasks; we are also called and qualified. No matter what the circumstances appear to be, you were born “for such a time as this.”