God has given us certain gifts for doing things well, and our own mission for advancing his kingdom of light. But we must not confuse being uniquely used by God with being needed, as if God’s goodness in the lives of others is dependent on us. We’re merely vessels being used powerfully by God; we’re not God himself.
This was a point Mordecai shared with Esther – reminding her that if she kept quiet God would still deliver his people, though by some other means. While Esther was made queen to serve her generation, God’s relief for his people was not ultimately depended on her. God used her in a mighty way, and his purposes would still have been accomplished with or without her.
And it’s with this humility we should offer our gifts and service as well. This is not selling ourselves short as if our life doesn’t matter. We are God’s chosen vessels to bring more life and goodness into the world. And we should carry ourselves with dignity and honor accordingly. At the same time, we must not let pride infect our heart attitudes – assuming that God needs us or that we’re otherwise irreplaceable.
To be sure, Queen Esther brought her own unique personality to the calling God placed on her life. And we do the same. In this sense, there is no one else who can do things in the exact same way as we do, because we’re each uniquely crafted. But this uniqueness doesn’t limit God’s ability to accomplish his eternal purposes.
The goodness and light God has called us to bring into the world will be brought by some other means if we hold back or abdicate our role. And while God will discipline us for our lack of obedience, his plans will not falter.
In the end, accept the role God has given you to play in his story without apology. And humbly remember you are simply a vessel being used by God. His eternal purposes are not ultimately dependent on you.
