For Such a Time as This

I like that phrase. It is vague enough that it lends beautifully to various interpretations, yet it is specific when you give it context. I will let you place your own interpretation on the words as you ponder them and will turn to Holly Gerth and one of the meditations in her book WHAT’S TRUE ABOUT YOU for further exploration. “For such a time as this” can really bear many meanings.

For Buffalo sports fans, a phrase like that might be reminiscent of a quote from former Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy. He interpreted it this way: “There’s nowhere else to be except right here, right now.” (I paraphrase) His implication was that we should all be watching the games either live or on TV.

The messages are similar. They suggest purpose and meaning in the moment.

The Bible hints at this message as well, in the Book of Ephesians:

Ephesians 2:10— For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

This is all well and good, but there are indeed times we do not feel the positive spirit of these words.

I scrubbed floors today–for such a time as this?

The dog threw up so I cleaned it–for such a time as this?

I argued with a customer service agent–for such a time as this?

I skipped my TO DO list today; all day, and now it is left for tomorrow–for such a time as this?

Gerth suggests how easy it is to think, “Oh I am not really needed; oh what I do may not matter.”

God tells us otherwise. God would have us find purpose and meaning in our day. This is the day God gave us. We are called to be present, patient and prepared for the day we are given. Gerth adds, “No one else will live the exact amount of time you will, in the place you will, with the people whom God will have cross your path.” Wow! Words like that make every day seem important. Hmm…

Pardon me now, as I get ready for the day ahead and the gifts I shall share, for such a time as this.