Jen’s Gem: You were born for a time such as this.

Years ago, I attended a conference in New York City. I was the product manager for a software application and needed to learn more about its functionality. Like many hi-tech user conferences, there were keynote speakers and entertainers. Colin Powell graced the stage followed by Andra Day, who was topping the charts with her song, “Rise Up.” Take a listen.

As I listened to the lyrics and her beautiful voice, I couldn’t help but get pumped up for the two-day event. I saw the possibilities of all the options my company could take advantage of upon my return. But more than that, the words evoked a feeling of hope, of excitement, and of perseverance.

After what feels like 300 years of staying at home, my kids and I are ready to fly the coop. Likely, you are too. Our ventures out of the house consist of going to the grocery store, walking our condo complex, and for my kids, going to work for a few hours each week. Tempers are short at times, patience is thinning, and ideas for meals are waning.

However, on the flip side, my daughter is excelling in her distance learning and boasts A’s in nearly all of her college courses. My son purchased a new TV, installed it, and troubleshot the picture quality issues himself. After burning my hand, I returned to the kitchen to prepare meals once again, which garnered a “Everything you’ve made for dinner is really good” compliment.

Yesterday, I resurrected my manuscript. A trusted colleague and friend reviewed it not long ago and I wanted to incorporate her feedback.  Next steps are to write the final chapter and then send it off to the freelancer on Fiverr to ready for publication.

In these days of uncertainty that seem to roll one into the next with no boundary of time, it is tempting to simply go with the flow, being comfortable with each day’s comings and goings. Let’s face it, these are not easy times so comfort is the name of the game, whether it’s the foods we eat or the clothes we are wearing lately.

But what if this time is meant to be something more? What if, without all of the “chickens with our heads cut off” distractions, we are being called to do or be something better? I can’t tell you the number of times I have heard people say “when I have more time, I’ll do X, Y, or Z.” What if that time is now?

In the Old Testament, Esther, an ordinary Jewish woman, rose up to the ranks of royalty and saved her people from destruction. Her unique position “in the castle” provided her with creature comforts that many of us would relish right about now. Beauty treatments, fine food, stylish clothing were bestowed on her regularly.

However, it was not God’s plan for her to live out her days basking in her princess gown. He placed her there for a purpose and it took her uncle, Mordecai, to remind her of it when she got a bit too comfy in her lifestyle.

“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

She was born for “such a time as this.” God specifically placed her in that moment of time because He knew she would save His children. A simple, ordinary woman going about her life was then placed in a position of power and changed the course of history. Thousands of years later, her story is still changing lives. I highly recommend you read it.

You may feel “broken down and tired” as Ms. Day’s song lyrics describe. You may be struggling to push through another day of quarantine, of home schooling, of being separated from loved ones. But, I want to remind you that like Esther, you were born for a time such as this. You are here at this moment in our world’s history for a purpose, God’s purpose.

This week, I’d like to encourage you to look beyond the daily grind. Use this time to discover God’s purpose for your life and deepen your relationship with Him and His Son, Jesus. The best way to do this is to begin by learning about who God is and spending time with Him in prayer.

Order a Bible on Amazon or check out the books in my newsletter by my friend Karen Salisbury and the pastor of my church, Artie Kassimis. These are great resources that will nurture your faith and help you to see the greatness that God planted in you.

I pray daily for your continued health and safety. I continually ask God to send legions of His angels to protect you and your loved ones. You will get through this. You will emerge victorious. You will rise up.

“You’re broken down and tired
Of living life on a merry go round
And you can’t find the fighter
But I see it in you so we gonna walk it out
And move mountains
We gonna walk it out
And move mountains
And I’ll rise up. I’ll rise like the day
I’ll rise up. I’ll rise unafraid
I’ll rise up. And I’ll do it a thousand times again
And I’ll rise up High like the waves
I’ll rise up In spite of the ache
I’ll rise up and I’ll do it a thousand times again for you
All we need, all we need is hope
And for that we have each other
We will rise.”