“‘...for I have chosen you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” Haggai 2:23 NIV

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NIV

From the creation of the world, God has chosen people in difficult times to do his will despite their limited understanding of his plan.

Noah spent one hundred years building the ark as God instructed him. God delivered Noah and his family from the flood. (Genesis 7)

God chose Abram become the father of the nation of Israel. He commanded Abram to leave the land of his fathers (Ur) and follow God to Canaan. (Genesis 12) Abram believed God and was credited righteous by his faith. (Genesis 15:6)

Joseph spent years in prison and captivity because of his brothers’ jealousy and mistreatment, but God meant it for good and used Joseph to save the lives of many – including his father and brothers. (Genesis 50)

Esther, risking her life, went before the King and pled for the lives of the Jews. God used her to accomplish his will and deliver them from death. (Esther 5)

And consider Mary and Joseph. God chose them to parent his Son – to protect him, to raise him, to teach him the law of God. God led them to a stable in Bethlehem for Jesus’ birth, to Egypt to keep him alive, and to Nazareth where Jesus grew in stature and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:22 NIV)

We do not always understand our times, but we can trust our God. He has a plan and has placed his call on our hearts. We must simply walk in obedience knowing our Lord is faithful and his plan is good.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:28-29 NIV

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV