I grew up in the U.P. (Upper Peninsula) of Michigan where Christmases are always white and it’s not uncommon to be bundled up in hoodies and fleece blankets to watch fireworks on the Fourth of July.

You might be able to imagine then what a shift it was when this northern gal moved to Georgia and needed to acclimate to the thick humidity and sweltering heat! 

After settling in to my southern home years ago, I used to wonder if God really got the GPS coordinates right. 

Is this really where He wanted me to be?

I’m certain it’s a question Esther asked herself more than a few times, as well.

The Old Testament story tells us that having been chosen as the new queen to King Ahasuerus, Esther settled in to a life of royalty supporting her husband as he reigned over “127 provinces from India to Cush.”  (Esther 1:1)

Until, a sinister plot from within the ranks of the king’s court surfaced.  A plot to annihilate and completely wipe out every Jewish man, woman, and child from the territories. (Esther 3:8-10)

Esther was of Jewish ethnicity and, up to this point, had kept that piece of herself a secret from the king.  Mordecai (Esther’s older cousin who had raised her) communicated a message to her that challenged everything about her new comforts and station in life.

“Don’t think that you will escape the fate of all the Jews because you are in the king’s palace.  If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place…who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:13-14)

I can imagine her thinking, “God, is this really where you want me?”

However, Esther and her inner circle of attendant’s determined to fast and pray for three days and sent word asking Mordecai and as many Jews as he could rally to do the same. 

The story ends marvelously with the Jewish people being saved and Esther and Mordecai being honored. 

It’s a beautiful and clear example of what occurs when each of us recognize and embrace the fact that we have been positioned precisely where we are for “such a time as this.”

Wherever you are reading this today, I can assure you that the same truth applies to your life.

God doesn’t make mistakes, do things haphazardly, or choreograph things on a whim.  He intentionally and strategically places each of us exactly where we need to be to have the most influence for His Kingdom, His glory, and our good.

To this day, I love and miss the cold climate and the frequent snows, but I am eternally grateful to know in my heart that my Father has placed me right where I am for such a time as this!

Until next time, Grace and Glory!