is help on the way?

I had made a complete mess of my life and had no self-confidence. But then God sent Barbara into my life.

As my advisor at the community college I attended, she quickly grasped that I was a lost soul, someone desperately in need of direction and encouragement. Barb provided both.

After bombing out at a four-year college and doing manual labor for a while, this was my last chance to make something of myself. So I enrolled in a few classes just to see what would happen.

Knowing I could unravel at any time, she met with me regularly doing everything she could to make sure I’d succeed. With her help, I did. I eventually graduated with a two-year degree and then completed my bachelor’s elsewhere.

I have two vivid memories of Barb: Her clearing her calendar to help me work through a personal crisis and going with me on a campus visit that was a four-hour drive one-way.

There’s no question in my mind that without her help, I’d still be lost and lacking self-confidence. That was a pivotal time in my life—I could have just as easily self-destructed.

Why do I share this story with you? Because I suspect there are messed up people all around us who need our help. And who knows, maybe you’re it. That is, maybe the Lord wants you to come to that person’s aid.

In the Old Testament book of Esther we read about how she becomes queen at the same time someone in the government comes up with a plan to kill all the Jews. At first she’s reluctant to come to the aid of her own people, but then her cousin says this:

“And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"1

In other words, “Maybe, just maybe, God has placed you where you are to do what needs to be done. This is your time. This is why you’re where you are.”

My point is this: Perhaps you’ve been placed where you are so you can come to the aid of someone who needs what only you can give.

Look around. Is there someone in your family, at work or at school who’s lost and in need of help? Someone who’s hurting and needs comforting? Someone who’s discouraged and needs encouragement?

If Barb was around, she’d do it herself. But right now there’s just you.

“And who knows but that you have come to (your) position for such a time as this?"

1  Esther 4:14