Reflecting on Esther’s story in the Bible reminded me that our lives are not a series of random events.

Have you ever planted a seed that grew far beyond what you could imagine? 

A number of years ago, Carris and I were in Manila in the Philippines. I noticed that everywhere we went schoolboys were playing basketball. 

I thought of a great opportunity for a basketball coach friend of mine. He could take his Christian High school team to Manila and put on basketball camps and share the gospel. 

When I shared my idea with him, he dismissed it as unlikely.

One simple connection—Several months later, a Filipino pastor friend was visiting from Manila. I introduced my reluctant coach friend to him over lunch—their meeting sparked something extraordinary. 

The small seed that was planted over lunch eventually blossomed into boys’ basketball outreach trips, girls’ volleyball missions, and even a ministry rescuing women from prostitution in Manila. 

My only role in those ongoing ministries was to pray and to introduce two people. 

Like Esther, positioned strategically by God, our seemingly minor acts of influence can unleash divine purposes extending far beyond ourselves. 

What seed of influence might God be asking you to plant today?

Finding Your Purpose: Queen Esther's Unexpected Journey

You’re Not Just Where You Are—You’re There for a Reason. It might feel like life has slowed down. The calendar isn’t as full. The phone doesn’t ring as often. But have you ever stopped to ask why you’re still here?

Why has God kept you on this earth, in this neighborhood, in this church, in this season?

That’s a question Esther in the Bible had to wrestle with, though under far more dangerous circumstances.

She was a young, Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai. No royal blood. No palace dreams.

And yet, by a twist of events that seemed more like coincidence than calling, Esther was chosen to be queen of Persia.

It wasn’t a fairytale.

She was taken into the king’s harem. Her culture, faith, and people were hidden beneath layers of protocol and palace life. But God was not absent in any of it. He was working behind the scenes, as He so often does, preparing Esther for a moment that would require more than beauty or charm.

It would require faith and courage.

Courage Comes When You Know Why You’re There

When Haman, one of the king’s highest officials, hatched a plan to destroy all the Jews, Mordecai sent a message to Esther:

“Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

That one question changed everything!

Esther saw it. Her life wasn’t random. Her position wasn’t just favor—it was responsibility. God had placed her there, not for comfort or applause, but for impact.

You may not live in a palace. But you live in a place God sees.

You may not have the ear of a king, but you do have influence—with your family, your neighbors, your church, and your grandchildren.

Do you believe God placed you where you are for a purpose?

You’re Positioned with Purpose

You might be in a retirement community, a downsized home, or even in a season of caregiving. It may feel hidden. Unnoticed.

But God doesn’t waste locations or seasons.

He places His people, young or old, in exactly the right spots for His purposes. You don’t have to lead a movement or hold a microphone. You just have to recognize that where you are right now is not by accident.

Your porch conversations, your phone calls, your prayers, your notes of encouragement—they matter.

They may feel small, but in the kingdom of God, obedience is never wasted.

Your Voice Still Matters

Esther had a choice. She could stay silent and hope someone else would speak up—or she could risk everything and go before the king.

She chose to be courageous because of her faith in God.

“I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16)

That moment of bravery didn’t just save her people—it revealed her character. It showed what God can do through someone who understands the weight of where they’ve been placed.

You may not face the same kind of danger, but courage is still required.

Courage to share your faith with a skeptical friend.

Courage to pray boldly when the odds seem impossible.

Courage to speak up with truth and love when others grow silent.

Are you using your voice where it’s needed?

You Have More Influence Than You Think

God doesn’t just work through kings and queens. He works through grandparents, widows, and quiet saints who show up, speak up, and stand firm.

Maybe your influence isn’t loud, but it’s lasting.

Maybe the most important conversations you’ll ever have are still ahead of you—with a grandchild who’s searching, a neighbor who’s hurting, a church that needs your wisdom.

Don’t underestimate what God can do through you.

You are still here for a reason.

You’ve Been Placed for Such a Time as This

Esther risked her life to stand in the gap for her people. And God used her to change the course of history.

Your moment may not look as dramatic, but it can be just as powerful.

What if you’re right where you are… for such a time as this?

God sees your faithfulness.

He knows your prayers.

He placed you with purpose.

And He’s not done using you yet.

“Man plans his way, but God orders his steps” Proverbs 16:

Blessings,

Pastor Howard