For Such A Time As This

The portrait known as “Whistler’s Mother” is one of the most iconic American paintings. 
But did you know “Whistler’s Mother” was actually suppose to be a portrait of Maggie Graham. However, she failed to show up for the appointment, so James Whistler’s mother posed as the model in her absence.
Maggie missed her opportunity to be remembered far beyond her life.

It reminds me of Esther, when she was challenged by Mordecai to plead with Xerxes for the Jewish people who were about to be eradicated in Persia. Esther, at first, balked at the assignment out of fear. Mordecai, trusting that God would honor His promise to Abraham concerning his descendants, responded, “If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die.” (Esther 4:14)

God’s purposes and plans will always be fulfilled. He invites each of us to participate with Him. Our failure to show up for the appointment will not stop God’s masterpiece. However, we will miss out on the thrill of being used by Him.

“Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

Duke Stone
After 40 years in full-time ministry, I try to see how the little things in life speak big things about God. This blog is an attempt to share with you the many ways I see the love of God in the ordinary things of life.