And who knows?

Do you have core verses that seem to pop up repeatedly the course of your lifetime? Do you have any verses that the Lord speaks to you time and time again? Do you have life passages that guide, comfort or challenge you that you continually reflect on through all seasons?

Here is one of mine: Esther 4:14
“…And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

In summary, “Esther becomes a Queen in the harem of King Ahasuerus and is used by God to deliver the Jews from a plot to annihilate them. Esther is a story of courage, faithfulness and victory that points to Christ” (Paul Leavenworth). I love reading the story of Esther for just these reasons.

I find that I often question why I am in certain locations, situations, relationships, etc. But the Lord uses Esther’s story to remind me that He is in control and has orchestrated these things. He is leading me on a journey that even I am unable to dream for myself.

When the Lord opens doors to opportunities, I eagerly accept the new challenge. But once it becomes hard or difficult, I may tend to ask God why He placed me there. And He answers, “…and who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?” He gently reminds me over and over through His scripture that I have influence and resources, and I should seize the present opportunities to speak truth and be a light because it could be the very reason I am there.

And then I hear God chuckle. He smiles at me and says, “Sarah, ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts (Is. 55:9)’. There is more going on than you see.”

I'm learning to see and live the implications of that.

So whether you’re a student, fast food employee, CEO, Mom or a combination of these roles, the Lord is pursuing you. You have influence, and you have opportunity in the time you have been given, even now in your current role(s).

Your relationship with God is precious, as is the time He has given you. What is He speaking to you? What are your core life passages? These passages that repeat themselves in your life are probably related to your gifts and calling. I’d encourage you to take some time to explore this a bit more.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.:.

.:.Doorpost Hospitality.:.

Two weeks ago, my high school boarder moved out. She was an absolute delight to have as a part of our family for ten months. It is incredible how closely tied you can become to someone after such a short time. I currently have a love-hate relationship with her empty room. As I watched her leave and walk through the door, I was reminded of a moment two years ago when I prayed over our door, our home and those that would find themselves visiting there.

When I moved into the two bedroom apartment, I made the conscious decision to take the command of Romans 12:13 seriously when it says to practice hospitality. And yes, hospitality truly takes practice. I have learned some lessons along the way. I'm now all too familiar with the sound of the smoke alarm (it's applauding me, right?). I've had to let go of the lie that everything needs to be perfect for our guests to feel welcome. I’ve embraced my strengths and played off of them.

I love to host, and do it a lot. From the best friend dinners to the lemonade and cookie drop-ins to the overnight stranger-guest that didn’t have a place to stay, we have shared laughs, tears, food and a few awkward moments. One time, I even hosted a stranger-guest’s pet rats (yes, plural). Yes ladies and gents, I’ve seen the spectrum. And all along, I’ve done it unto the Lord.

I feel more blessed than words can describe by those that have walked through my door. When I first moved in, I set up my little home and then prayed over it. I thanked God for His many blessings to me through the generosity of others who helped me build my breadth of utilities. I asked Him to help me steward everything He had given me, recognizing that it belongs to Him.

And then I prayed over our door. I asked that God would bring those he wanted through it. I asked that His hedge of protection would be over it; that in our home, He would keep strife, envy and anger out and peace, love and respect in. I prayed that as people entered my home, they would be disarmed, able to relax and feel appreciated.

A home is a place of refuge. Sadly, you can be in your house without it feeling like your home.

Thank you, Lord, for a roof over my head, and those you bring to sit under it as well.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.:.