Such As This

I am put here. (Philippians 1:12, NIV 1984).

My Musings – It’s only a fragment of a verse in a larger context. Easy to overlook or gloss over. For Paul, “here” was literally “in chains” (Philippians 1:12, NIV 1984), in Rome, with access to the “whole palace guard” (Philippians 1:12, NIV 1984). But “[as it] happened…really served to advance the gospel…most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” (Philippians 1:12, 14, NIV 1984). But “[as it] happened” was not happenstance. It was “for the defense of the gospel,” (Philippians 1:16, NIV 1984).

For Queen Esther “here” was a “royal position,” (Esther 4:14, NIV 1984). A position (Queen) that she had come to in order to be used by God to bring “relief and deliverance for the Jews,” (Esther 4:14, NIV 1984). For an “edict for their annihilation,” (Esther 4:8, NIV 1984) had been issued by the King. Because it had been reported their “customs [were] different from those of all other people and who [did] not obey the king’s laws,” (Esther 3:8, NIV 1984). Like Paul, this was not just one of those coincidences that happen from time to time. It was God working behind the scenes, “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14, NIV 1984), orchestrating events “for the good of his people,” (Esther 9:32, NIV 1984).

My Advice – Where has God put you? Is there a position or a situation that you have come to that has you perplexed? Do not think for a moment that it is chance or random. For, “we know that in all things [places, positions, situations, circumstances] God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28, NIV 1984). The question is, what are you going to do about it? Be a Paul. Be an Esther. Because, while there may be small parts to play, there are no small actors.