Adapted from Daily Devotional of Dr. Michael Youssef
Having and following a vision isn’t just for big dreamers and world-changers. As Christians, we all have been called by God to pursue His plan and purpose for our lives.
God has placed us in our jobs, our neighborhoods, and our families for a purpose—to meet the needs around us. Truly visionary people are those who have the ability to recognize the needs around them, as well as the determination and willingness to meet those needs.
In the Old Testament, we learn of an ordinary woman named Esther who saw a need and met that need. Esther was a Jewish woman living in exile in Persia. Through God’s plan, she married King Xerxes and found herself in a unique position to help her people.
When the king agreed to the planned execution of the Jews within his kingdom, Esther was the only one who could possibly change his mind. God placed her in the right place at the right time. Her cousin, Mordecai, recognized this fact: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14b).
What was Esther’s response to Mordecai’s plea for help? “Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: ‘Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish’” (Esther 4:15-16).
Esther’s decision did not come easily. She hesitated. She wrestled with her fears over her own future. She knew she was putting her life on the line to approach the king. But in the end she knew what God was calling her to do, and she obeyed.
How often do we see a need, yet do nothing about it? We may feel pity or concern, yet we stand back and do nothing. We are unwilling to risk our comfort, our reputation, and our security. But like Esther, we cannot be that visionary person for God unless we are willing to risk everything for Him.
God has brought you to the Kingdom for such a time as this so that you may have His vision for your life. He wants you to make a difference in the lives of other people. He has given you your blessings, gifts, talents, resources, and connections for a reason.