‘For such a time as this’

Mougulu High School recently held its first ever graduation ceremony, with the attendees celebrating the achievements of students from isolated villages.

MAF has been supporting the school in Papua New Guinea’s remote Western Province since the secondary school was founded in 2020, flying in building materials, school resources and staff.

What is so striking about so many of the students who graduated is their desire and laser sharp focus to use their education and position to help and empower their community.

Student William declared, ‘In my place there are many sick people and also pregnant mothers who need good health care. My plan is to study to become a nurse and to be a community leader and help my people.’

His attitude is echoed by Otty, who said, ‘I want to become an economist, settle in my homeland and help my community and people.’

A challenging read

Comments like these are challenging to read. In the West, our culture often rewards attitudes such as ‘being in charge of your own destiny’, ‘putting yourself first’ and ‘climbing the greasy pole’.

Using what you have to elevate others can sometimes seem a very alien concept.

When I read the Mougulu students’ comments, I immediately thought of Queen Esther, a young Jewish woman living in Persia who risked her life because of her commitment to her people.

Esther 4:12-16 (NIV) reads:

‘When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

‘Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”’

The book of Esther is about a Jewish community living in Susa, the capital city of the ancient Persian empire. The main characters are two Jews, Mordecai and his cousin Esther, the King of Persia, and Haman, the villainous official in his court.

Esther had miraculously gained the trust of the king, and although she was a Jewish orphan who’d been bought up by her relative Mordecai, God had enabled her to find a place of safety and favour at the palace.

A seat at the table

From humble beginnings, she’d risen to a seat of influence as King Xerxes’ wife. Mordecai’s request could jeopardise all that. But Mordecai’s words force Esther to consider whether God’s favour on her life was just for her benefit, or for her people’s.

It’s an interesting question to ask ourselves. When we find favour, influence or success, what do we do with it?

Like Esther, God often asks us to do hard and risky things for His Kingdom. Sometimes our obedience to His call means that a whole community will be affected by that obedience.

‘“But my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls’ (Hebrews 10:38-39, ESV).

Into the unknown

Stepping out for God, into the unknown, is daunting. This passage in Hebrews reminds us that following Christ is, from beginning to end, a journey of faith. As believers, we are not those who are intimidated into inaction by the size, or nature, of our mission.

Like Esther and the Mougulu students, we are called to make a difference — to use our voice and influence for good and for God.

Response

• Take a moment to reflect on the areas of life where you’ve found influence and favour. Thank God for these opportunities.
• Where might God be asking you to step into a new opportunity? Ask God for the courage you need to accept this.
• Thank God for the times in your life when you’ve been able to encourage and mentor others, using what the Lord has shown you.
• Take some time this week to again tell God, ‘Here I am, send me’.