A few weeks ago, I had my first campus discipleship group (DG) session.

I walked from the bus stop to the benches outside the lecture theatre. I was familiar with the place, having been there three years ago with a different group of people. I didn’t know back then, but God had a plan to return me to these benches in a few years.

Through my sister, I had the privilege of knowing people from this Christian community. In the past, I would occasionally follow her to school and study there with her friends. My introductions were invariably short and awkward: “Oh, I’m not from this school, but in time to come, I intend to pursue a degree here and join a Christian community.”

Nevertheless, interactions and conversations with this group gave me a clearer perspective of what intentional discipleship, evangelism and journeying with fellow believers look like.

My short brush with this spiritual community stuck with me because I grew up not having communities that were in the same life-stage as me and intentional about doing discipleship and journey with others. I would think to myself: One day I hope to be here, doing what these people are doing. Three years ago, I was given a glimpse of my spiritual community to come – but that community wasn’t really mine.

As much as I wanted to be plugged in, I simply could not. But I learnt that in God’s grand scheme of things – there is always a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

HERE FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

Rereading the book of Esther – which contains that famous conversation where Mordecai tells his niece, Esther, that she has entered the palace “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14) – a few observations come to mind.

1. Time is a good teacher

There is a correlation between the concept of time and waiting. Time measures us. It reveals how committed and disciplined we are – or even how weak-willed we are. Time exposes our character because waiting is difficult. Mordecai and Esther’s season of waiting upon God’s promise, provision and protection (Esther 4:14a, 7:3, 9:22) – albeit immensely difficult – taught them valuable lessons and prepared them for what God had in store for them and His people.

2. Give time, time

If Mordecai hadn’t told Esther not to reveal her nationality and family background (Esther 2:10), she might not have been brought to the king’s palace to even be considered as Xerxes’ new queen. Had Mordecai not been careful and patient in conveying the devastating news of Jewish annihilation to Esther through her attendee (Esther 4:1-8), this plan of redemption might have been foiled by Haman and his men. Had Esther not fasted and prepared herself to meet the king (Esther 4:15-16), the book of Esther might not have panned out the way it did. Give time, time. Don’t rush through situations, even when they seem dire.

3. He who is sovereign over your life – is also sovereign over time

 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 (Romans 8:28).

God is a sovereign God, and He is working all things – good and bad – for His beautiful purpose. He will have His glory shine through the lives of His children. Time is one such means of His.

Joseph recognised that he was placed where he was, “for such a time as this”. His destiny was to save the lives of many (Genesis 45:5-8, 50:20). With Esther, though it was Mordecai who first reminded her of God’s perfect timing and placement (Esther 4:14), I believe she eventually came to understand this truth on a personal and deep level. Sometimes, it is hard to trace God’s sovereign hand in our lives – but our perspectives and judgements should never overshadow God’s.

MY TIME HAS COME

And so now it’s my turn to join the spiritual community I’ve always longed for. My time – to fully experience what I’ve only previously had a glimpse of.

In retrospect, the years following my brief experience with campus ministry were years of preparation for this new season of my life. For instance, National Service taught me resilience and interpersonal skills. I had both the time and open doors to serve God in a greater capacity. These experiences widened my perspective of Christianity and deepened my relationship with God.

God has placed you where you are to mould and show you what utter dependence on Him looks like.

Perhaps today you’re like me, entering a new and exciting season: Know that you are here for such a time as this. God has placed you where you are to shine for Him and bring His light into others’ lives.

Or perhaps, you identify yourself with Joseph and Esther – hemmed in by seasons of anxiety and uncertainty: You are also here for such a time as this.

God has placed you where you are to mould and show you what utter dependence on Him looks like. Trust His heart when the process is difficult and beyond your control. Trust Him, because the conductor knows the music piece best. As members of His orchestra, He will draw a beautiful symphony out of us.

In His time, He will nudge you in a soft, still voice saying: “You are where you are, for such a time as this.”