Honest Thoughts from a Pastor

Last week, I began watching and listening to sermons preached by Pastor Tony Evans. The one I have listened to for the last few days in segments (normally between visiting hospice patients and on the car ride home) is based on the story of Esther. If a believer can quote a verse from the book of Esther, it is typically this one (at least the last from in 4:14) – “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. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”

As I listened to the last part of the sermon today, I began to reflect on how today is one of those days when I was mourning some of the past relationships I could not carry into this season of my life. Today, I had lunch with a dear friend of 11 years. While we have many great memories, I left thinking about how it just wasn’t the same. Our lives have gone different directions. Ministry paths are different. He was a wonderful encourager when his presence in my life was prominent. Because his presence is not so prominent in this season, his ability to encourage has changed. I don’t say this negatively. While I don’t appreciate him any less, his influence was stronger for such a time as THAT not THIS. That’s not say God won’t use him in my life now, but it’s different. There are people more present in my life because of life circumstances who are here for such a time as THIS.

You may be mourning losses of the past. Maybe, like me, you went through a divorce and lost some friends. Maybe you relocated to a new neighborhood, church, or job. Those from your old neighborhood, church, or job are no longer prominent in your life. It’s natural to miss them, but don’t miss out on the relationships you can build for such a time as THIS because you’re stuck in such a time as THAT. Many people stop thriving in life because they’re too busy looking in the rear view mirror. Don’t let that be you!