For Such a Time as This

I am currently writing from a nice, air-conditioned apartment (with hot water for showers) at the Seventh-day Adventist Mission in Guam.  But most of my days, for the last week, have been spent in Room 431 in the hospital about 15 minutes away, as we try to patiently wait for Pamela's body to catch up with what her heart really wants to do--go back to Yap and teach 3rd grade.  I'm sure we never could have guessed when we were running around in Hawaii for an extra few days, that we'd be spending more quality time together here in Guam.  Especially in the hospital.  But as I have thought back over the last two months, and especially two weeks, I have been awed at God's timing and purpose for each specific person in Yap, even though I can't even see the whole picture yet.


A certain phrase has been echoing through my mind, from the story of Esther.  Esther was hesitant when her cousin Mordecai asked her for a small favor--to risk her life to go before the king to hopefully save the lives of her people.  Mordecai reminded her that if she didn't do it, God would bring someone else who would, but perhaps she was brought into the palace "for such a time as this."  That reminder gave her enough courage to fast and pray, and then go risk her life.  And her mission was successful.

God has a unique part for each of us to play.  Sometimes it is clearer than others, but all of us can be assured--as we surrender to God's plan for our lives--that we are here "for such a time as this."