Week 17: April 20-26, 2025 -Serve Right Where You Are

This week’s daily readings:

April 20-26, 2025

This week’s devotional:

Serve Right Where You Are

by Sue Hersey

Scripture: 

Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?

— Esther 4:13-14 (NLT) 

Reflection:

Have you been wondering what God has planned for your life – either among your personal relationships and ambitions or in service to him and his people? You can believe that God does have a plan for the best way he can put you to use. Here’s a funny fact about the book of Esther you may not notice in your reading: God’s name is never mentioned, not even once! Yet, it is certainly implied that it was through God’s grace that Esther was brought to a position of influence where she could be of service and save the entire nation of Israel.

God is sovereign for a very good reason: he knows far more than any of us about what the future brings. If we can simply follow his plan, things will surely turn out for the best. Knowing that God plans your future should give you comfort when it comes to making big life decisions (and small ones, too). When you pray, be sure to ask God what his will is for your life. Knowing that makes all the difference!

From my earliest memories, I always assumed I would have children someday. Never did I envision that my first marriage would not bring me to motherhood. However, I have no doubt that God brought me to my second marriage to Bruce for a purpose. He is a loving man who (by the time we met) had two grown stepchildren and a teenage son of his own from his previous marriage. Taking on the role of stepmother to these three “kids” has proved to have its ups and downs over the years, but God has made it plain to me how crucial it is that I do play that role in their lives. I could tell you several stories about times I was able to help them each in one way or another. Some decisions and actions have been easier than others, but I’ve always tried to do what’s best without regret. I firmly believe God brought me to them for the godly help and influence I’ve been able to offer “for just such a time as this.”

On another front, I’ve been blessed and privileged to serve my local church in several capacities over the years. Many times, I questioned whether I was truly qualified to do the work, but I feel God has used me to his advantage. To anyone considering church service, my own experience has taught me you should simply say “yes” to what you’re being asked without second-guessing. Think twice about withholding your service until asked to take on a role you consider more worthy. To quote Charles Spurgeon (a renowned Christian preacher from the 1800s), “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!” Be sure that God can accomplish his purposes with someone else if you refuse, but why not give it a try? You could be serving right where God wants you to be!

Prayer:

Sovereign Lord, we realize that only you know the future and what’s best for us and for your church. Please make your will known to us today so we can help fulfill your purposes. Keep us from withholding service and equip us with the courage, strength, and skills we need to do your work here on earth. We look to your many promises and praise you for your ever-faithful love and provenance. Our hope for the future is in you! We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, whom we serve. Amen