This past semester for Life University I was able to help teach the high school girls with my dear friend, Katie Gutierrez. On Sunday mornings I get to teach the sixth grade girls, so it was a lot of fun to be able to spend time with these high school girls! We went through a study called, "Wake Up!", and it was all about how to start radically living your life for Jesus. These girls taught me so much and encouraged me even more. This next generation of believers are on fire for Jesus. They see that the harvest is plenty, and they are ready to be sent out! Knowing this, I wanted to be fully prepared before teaching these girls. While doing so, I came across this quote from my favorite theologian:
“You have been wishing for another position where you could do something for Jesus: do not wish anything of the kind, but serve him where you are.”
- Charles Spurgeon
I wanted these young girls to know that they did not have to wait until college or whatever is in store for them after high school to serve God. They can serve Him right now! Whether that is in their classrooms, on their sports teams, or Wednesday nights in Refuge. There is never a "right time" to serve the Lord and His people. This is true of all of us whether we are 16 or 60 years old. God has us exactly where He needs us to minister to others and serve Him. I would encourage you to think of the people you interact with daily. Whether that be your co-workers, your neighbor, or a Starbucks barista. I would encourage you to start praying for those people and praying that the Lord will give you opportunities to talk to them about Jesus or even inviting them to church! It is not by mistake that you work where you work or live by who you live by.
Serve where you are.
"For 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?”
Esther 4:14
The story of Esther is one of my favorites in scripture. A very short synopsis is that the King of Persia is looking for a wife, and he finds favor in a girl Esther who was Jewish. The King does not know she is Jewish and thinks she is Persian. The King also finds favor in Esther's uncle, Mordecai, after he overhears royal guards plotting to murder the King. There is also this man named Haman who holds the highest position in the kingdom. He demands that everyone kneels before him, but Mordecai refuses. Because of this, Haman orders that all the Jews must be executed. The king and Haman celebrate this decree. Esther and her uncle become the only hope for the Jewish people. The plan for her is to tell the King that she is Jewish and he should reverse this decree. Of course this was a deadly risk, but Mordecai tells Esther, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place..." Maybe Esther was made for such a time as this! Esther replies, "If I perish, I perish."
Long story short, Esther reveals her identity and the King remembers how Mordecai saved his life. A counter-decree is made and the Jews were rescued from annihilation!
There is no doubt that Esther became Queen for a greater purpose. God does the same with us! We are put in certain positions to honor and obey God. We need courage and wisdom to walk in God's purpose for our lives.
Prayer Points:
● Father, allow me to be a light for Your Kingdom.
● Lord, give me wisdom and discernment.
● God, help me to remain courageous when telling others about You.
Heavenly Father,
Give me opportunities this week to tell people about You. Even when I am fearful, remind me of the eternal weight it holds. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. I ask for Your wisdom and discernment in times that I just do not know what to say. Help me to love others the way You would, Father.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
For His Glory,
Haley Thorpe