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For Such a Time As This

  • Vicki Bentley
  • October 19, 2022
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Chatting over a much-anticipated ‘kid-free brunch’, my friends and I couldn’t help but share our anxiety at how our new kindergarteners were getting on without us. “It feels a bit like we’re sending them out into the lion’s den,” one friend remarked. And I couldn’t help but agree. In a culture that’s growing increasingly hostile to the gospel message, these little ones with their innocent, fledgling faith can seem a tad vulnerable to the secular influence that’s all around us.

Yet, I was comforted recently by this small detail in Scripture about a man named Obadiah—a palace administrator for King Ahab:

“Obadaiah was a devout believer in the Lord. While Jezebel was killing off the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water” (1 Kings 18:3-4, NIV).

What a legacy in just two sentences! This man, despite working for a king who “did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him” (1 Kings 16:30, NIV), refused to be corrupted by the immorality surrounding him, and instead remained fully devoted to the Lord. More than that, he actually carried out a daring rescue to save the lives of God’s people—an act that would surely have ended in his own death had he been caught.

In hindsight, it’s not hard to conclude that God placed Obadiah exactly where he was supposed to be—in the darkest of places—in order to accomplish His purposes for His people and His Kingdom. And He does the same for our children.

If your child’s school, sports team, or social group appears hostile to Jesus Christ, don’t be too discouraged. In fact, be encouraged! For God is giving our children an opportunity to be salt and light in a culture of brokenness and need. To point weary, hopeless souls to the true King of Kings, and perhaps even play a small part in God’s rescue plan for the people He has called them to love, right where they are.

So, as we send our children to school, to drama club, to soccer practice, and the like, let’s trust that God has them—and us—right where He wants us.

For such a time as this.

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Vicki Bentley

A Scottish native, Vicki now calls Upstate New York home, where she lives with her husband and two young daughters. A writer turned editor, she loves to encourage women to pursue Jesus-centered, joy-filled living in the gloriously hard and wonderful trenches of motherhood. Being part of the Joyful Life team and community is both a blessing and a privilege, providing an opportunity for her to combine her gifts and passions in a unique and special way to speak truth into the hearts and lives of women. In her ‘free’ time Vicki loves to consume books and strong coffee, and get outdoors to enjoy the very varied, yet consistently beautiful seasons of the Northeast. You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or on her website.

5 comments
  1. Nikki S. White says:
    October 19, 2022 at 4:33 am

    Yes! And amen! Thank you for this courageous call to trust God with our children and our grandchildren.

    This grandma is praying for all you mommas and your precious little light bearers.
    God will surround them and use them in a mighty way, for His glory.

    Reply
    1. Vicki says:
      October 19, 2022 at 7:44 am

      Thank you so much Nikki! Appreciate your prayers for our kiddos more than you know!

      Reply
  2. Kristi says:
    October 19, 2022 at 6:25 am

    Great inspiring message!
    It’s easy to just feel sorry for ourselves or think the worst, and this is a great message reminding us that maybe we are where because God wants us to be a light to others.

    Reply
    1. Vicki says:
      October 19, 2022 at 7:47 am

      Thanks Kristi! And yes, absolutely! The darkest places are where people are most in need of His light. And who is going to point them to it if not us?

      Reply
  3. Lori Ann Wood says:
    October 19, 2022 at 8:10 am

    Love your hopeful perspective! It’s human nature to want to pull in and protect our little ones, but sometimes we forget that God might have something more for them in mind. Beautiful!

    Reply

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