Redemption amid Ruin

For This Very Moment

Esther’s story has always spoken to me. Orphaned and raised by her cousin Mordecai, she was suddenly placed in the Persian palace, a world of silks, jewels, and power. From the outside, it may have looked like a fairy tale, but the palace was a place of danger, intrigue, and uncertainty. God had placed Esther there for a purpose only she could fulfil.

When Haman plotted to destroy the Jews, Mordecai’s words pierced her fear: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Approaching the king uninvited could cost her life, yet Esther fasted, prayed, and stepped forward. Her courage saved a nation. She shows us that God can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes when they choose faith over fear.

Mary Slessor’s story resonates with a similar rhythm of courage in a very different context. Born in 1848 in the industrial slums of Scotland, Mary grew up poor, working long hours in factories to support her family. Small and often sickly, she felt a call to serve God as a missionary in Africa. Despite danger, isolation, and harsh conditions, Mary devoted herself to helping the abandoned and vulnerable. She rescued children, protected twins from harmful customs, and brought peace to communities torn apart by conflict. Her faithfulness was steady, sacrificial, and fearless.

Both Esther and Mary remind us that being placed “for such a time as this” is rarely about comfort. It requires courage, obedience, and faithfulness in the midst of uncertainty and risk. God’s purposes often unfold in moments that feel overwhelming, where our limitations seem most apparent, and yet His power is made perfect in our weakness.

I have felt that sense of being positioned for such a time as this. When God led me to Hong Kong and opened the door to work at Hanson Robotics, it felt surreal. Humanoid AI and robotics were emerging globally, and there I was, ordinary and unassuming, standing at the crossroads of opportunity and responsibility. I realised that God places us in the right place at the right time, not for our glory, but for His purposes.

Readiness is not about confidence or perfection. It is about saying yes, trusting God with the outcome, and stepping into the moment He has prepared. Courage transforms ordinary situations into extraordinary opportunities when we obey.

Reflection Question:

What is one brave step you can take today to live out God’s purpose for your life?

Prayer:

Give me courage, God, to act with faith when it matters most. Help me trust that You have placed me where I am for a reason, and give me the boldness to step into Your calling. Amen.