Story Published:
Jul 30, 2010 at 11:22 AM CST
Story Updated:
Jul 30, 2010 at 11:22 AM CST
A couple of weeks ago, I was blessed to attend the Presbyterian Youth Triennium held at Purdue University, and Esther 4:14 was our theme for the week.
This youth conference gathered more than 5000 youth from across the nation and various parts of the world for a week of worship, study groups, and fellowship. I was immensely blessed to be there, but the theme made me think about some of the odd things we go through.
What about you?
Have you ever stopped and wondered why you were dealing with certain things in your life? Whatever it is, it should be handled by someone else - not you, right? I mean, you haven't been adequately prepared for such a problem, right?
Wrong!
Your life has been carefully designed by the Lord.
Esther discovered that her being Queen of Persia wasn't for "pomp and pleasure" but for saving her people from a terrible genocide planned by a maniac. She wasn't aware of this from the beginning, but at the right time this was disclosed to her. Well, your life is filled with ups and downs, and many of the downs are prescribed by the Lord - not to discourage you, but to encourage you. Your downs will make you a stronger Christian.
Your trials will make you a "tried" Christian who knows that Christ doesn't leave us, but shows us how strong he is in our weakness. How? The Lord will hold you during your tough times so you won't hit the bottom and provide what you need to succeed at the same time.
That's the kind of strength the Lord has decided to use with you while you go through your situation. So the challenges on the job; at home; in the church; at the PTA meeting: "...who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"
