Sometimes we look at our lives and wonder why God has allowed certain things to happen. We wonder why we met certain people, why certain opportunities came our way, or why we found ourselves in a particular place at a particular time. What we may see as coincidence, God may see as an opportunity for service.

One of the greatest examples of this is Esther. Mordecai reminded her that she had come to her position “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Esther did not know everything God was doing when she became queen. She could not see the whole picture. But when the moment came, she was exactly where she needed to be. God still works through His people today.

Paul said in Ephesians 2:10 that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” God has given every Christian abilities, opportunities, relationships, and circumstances that can be used in His service. We may not always understand why we are where we are, but we can trust that God can use us wherever He places us.

Philip is another good example. In Acts 8, God sent him into the wilderness where he encountered the Ethiopian eunuch. From a human perspective, it might have seemed like an inconvenient assignment. But Philip was in the right place at the right time, and because he was willing to be used, a man heard the gospel and was baptized.

The important lesson is that God does not have to give us a great platform to use us. He can use a conversation, a friendship, a workplace, a family gathering, a difficult season, or a simple act of kindness. Sometimes the opportunity we are looking for is already sitting right in front of us.

We should stop asking only, “God, what do You want me to do?” and also ask, “God, how can You use me right here?”

You may be exactly where God can use you today. The person beside you may need encouragement. Someone you know may need the gospel. A struggling Christian may need a friend. A young person may need someone to believe in them. An opportunity to do good may be placed directly in your path.

We may never know the full impact of one conversation, one act of kindness, or one faithful decision. But we know this: God can use willing people. So wherever you are today, be faithful. Pay attention. Look for opportunities. Make yourself available.

You may be there “for such a time as this.”

By: Justin Odom