I find myself faced with needing lots of amazing and gifted people to do the work God has called me to do…establishing a church. If I can be honest, sometimes I wish that wasn’t the case and I could do it all myself. The job would be so much easier, but then it wouldn’t be the job at all (Eph. 4:12).
The problem is people misunderstand, people get hurt easily, people can be selfish, people can be fearful, people at times are too needy and even greedy…things I’ve all seen in myself.
On the other side of leading a church I’ve seen the best of people as well. I’ve seen incredible sacrifice, steadfast dedication, hard work, unwavering faithfulness, perseverance despite difficult circumstances, and a whatever-it-takes mentality for people to meet Jesus.
I was reminded of all of this (surprisingly) while reading the story of Esther in the Old Testament. If you’ve never read the entire book you should (it’s short). It reads like a mini-novel and has all of the suspense and irony of any great story. The book never mentions God’s name, not even once. (Does that surprise you for a book found in the Bible?) I think part of the reason it doesn’t is because the book is about God working behind the scenes through people. Much like He still does today.
Being a father of two daughters I love the book of Esther. Here is a beauty who doesn’t need to be rescued, but instead rescues an entire nation. She exemplifies great leadership in an environment where women weren’t given any.
The portion of this Hebrew book most often quoted is Esther 4:14 “Perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this.” The quote is in reference to a dilemma Esther faced-would she put herself first or would she lay aside her own well-being and risk her life to save her race. Her uncle is reminding her this may be the most important thing she ever does. This may be what her entire life has be building up to.
It’s a powerful idea to think about all of the events of your life leading up to one pivotal moment and one crucial choice. Will you choose the path of safety and selfishness or will you choose the path that you know God has been preparing you for your whole life no matter how hard, difficult, or costly it may be?
Pastoring a church I know firsthand the importance of people making that choice. Depending on which choice they make the mission of the church suffers or flourishes during that season.
But there is part of that famous verse I’ve never noticed before and it is the very beginning. It basically says, “If you choose not to get involved, help will arise from some other place.” I love that! God is always working behind the scenes and his plan will always be accomplished (Matt. 16:18). God would love to use you, but if you choose to sit on the sidelines God will make sure that his plan still happens.
So guess who misses out? Guess who sits at home alone wondering what the purpose and meaning of life is? Those who come up with excuse after excuse about why they can’t say “yes” to what God is asking them to do. Those who let their emotions get in the way of their destiny.
The concept that God will make sure that his plan still happens was so freeing for me. I use to worry and think…if this person doesn’t come through or step up we have no future or at best it won’t be bright. But I have a different perspective now (I can’t believe it took me this long to get to it). Now I feel sorry for those who choose to sit on the sidelines because I know their entire life could have been culminating to that moment and they chose to walk away instead of leaning in. It will greatly affect the trajectory of their life, but it won’t affect the trajectory of God’s mission. God is working behind the scenes to raise up other people who will offer deliverance, relief, and help.
2 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:
1. If God has called you on a mission that will take more people to fulfill than yourself don’t lose heart when…
A volunteer backs out…because help will arise from some other place.
A central leader moves away…because help will arise from some other place.
A key donor stops giving…because help will arise from some other place.
A new leader flakes out…because help will arise from some other place.
A seasoned leader lets you down…because help will arise from some other place.
Your destiny is never tied to anyone who leaves you. If they leave they aren’t part of God’s future plan for you. Your future doesn’t rest in particular people it rests in a particular person…Jesus.
I use to get all bent out of a shape, lose sleep, and worry about all of the above scenarios, but I’ve seen time after time…help arise from some other place.
So if you ever find yourself leading something that’s bigger than you, remember your destiny never hinges on one person. God’s plan can never be stopped.
2. If you ever find yourself being a key person in a particular part of the story (like Esther) remember it is always a privilege.
When you start thinking it’s all about you…you’ll think things like: They could never make it without me. Let’s see how far they get without me. When thoughts like that cross your mind you’ve forgotten what a privilege it is to have a role in God’s story. If you don’t get back to the privilege mindset you’ll take your ball and play somewhere else BUT remember you may have just lost YOUR greatest opportunity to make a difference.
If Esther refused to help she would have lost her greatest opportunity for purpose and meaning, but the story would continue on with someone else being the deliverer. Because help will arise from some other place.
Memorize that phrase…you’ll sleep a lot better at night…trust me!
