And who knows…?
POSITIONED TO RISE HIGHER IN CHALLENGING TIMES
This is indeed a strange time we are living in right now. Navigating the food aisles in the supermarket with all the rules of social distancing is like playing a strategic game of chess at the moment. So how do we respond to this moment? How do we rise higher in these challenging times? Most successful people see unusual circumstances as a doorway to a new opportunity. A call to rise higher in these challenging times could become the foundation to shape your character. Sure, the door may have firmly closed on something, but this is your chance to climb through a window of opportunity and do something you’ve never done before. Something that is probably going to stretch your faith to its limits. And who knows? You have been called for such a time as this.

AND WHO KNOWS…?
Dynamic leaders have enough unselfishness within themselves to know that what they bring to the table through their gifts and talents is to help other people. There’s an untapped energy that is delighted to be discovered when you take the leap and do something you’ve never done before. In the book of Esther, Mordecai speaks to his niece, Esther when she was positioned to rise higher in a challenging time, “And who knows? You have been made queen for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

POSITIONED TO RISE HIGHER IN CHALLENGING TIMES
The story of Esther reads like a fairy-tale. King Xerxes is on the lookout for a new bride to replace Queen Vashti. After an empire-wide search the officers round up every eligible woman. It is now the job of Hegai, the king’s eunuch to see to it that all the women are properly prepared. James 1:4 reminds us that we are not “to run from tests and hardships…as difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure.
Know this, right before you’re ready to step up and rise higher, God will make sure you are properly prepared. Why? So, you are able to ‘cross the finish line – mature, complete and wanting nothing.’

Esther prepared well and she caught King Xerxes eye and he made her his queen. Yes, the Bible says that Esther was beautiful, but it was her preparation and bravery that won her the king’s heart. A killer combination that will position you into your calling. Esther knew that she needed to rise higher to help her people from the evil, Haman, who was cooking up a plan to wipe out a nation. Esther didn’t need to work harder, just smarter than her enemy. She prayed and fasted before doing anything.
Use these usual circumstances to press into God and ask Him to show you what you need to do through this next season of your life. He can use your gifts and talents to help many people because you have prepared well, and you are ready to do something that you’ve never done before and never thought possible.
And who knows? You may be the one who has been positioned for such a time as this.
Like Queen Esther, have you been through a season that has prepared and positioned you for such a time as this? Love to hear your thoughts!