One day, Sherwood and his dad decided to build a new proj-
ect together. They began by ordering a set of plans to make sure they did the project correctly. They got the plans for a special large birdhouse, which was so fancy it had two holes for the Every day after they put up the birdhouse, Sherwood
checked to see if any birds had moved in. But day after day there were no birds to be seen. He complained to his dad, “We followed the plans exactly and used the best of materials, but still no birds came.” Dad told him that he had to be patient. Just because we did ev- erything right doesn’t mean that the birds will come quickly. And sure enough, it was only a few days after that Sherwood spotted come and see the new birds. As they were watching the birds, Sherwood’s dad said, “I’m so
glad that you got to see the birds move in, but remember things don’t always work that way. A lot of times you will never see the results of your work. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to do things right. Remember doing good is what you ought to do without counting on a reward later.” He reminded Sherwood that the Bible teaches us that we
should never allow ourselves to get tired doing good. If we don’t give up or quit at some time in the future, at the right time there will be a reward for doing good. We may not see it, but that doesn’t mean doing good will not be rewarded. because in his own good time God will use it.
For Such a Time as This D
By Mary Drew Bult with Illustrations by Anna Campbell Bult
o you ever wonder if there is a reason behind each detail of your life? Do you wonder why God has placed you
where He wants them to be. He promises to work all things together for their good. to Him, God provides for Esther and allows her to earn favor in the eyes of the Persian king, Ahasuerus. Esther becomes queen—just as a wicked enemy of the Jews rises to power. Haman comes from a long line of men who despise Jews. As Haman earns favor with the king, he concocts a savage
with the beauty and bravery she needs to stop Haman. Through Esther, God showers favor upon His scattered people. If God had not placed Esther in the right place at the right time, His people would have died out. Back in Genesis, God
promised to preserve and bless His people, and He promised to bring about a Messiah through them. God keeps His promise and continually rescues His people from the worst situations imaginable. God knew what was best for Esther, and He knows what is best for you. When Esther is afraid to approach the king, her cousin Mordecai exhorts her, “If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will rise from another actions. However, he encourages Esther that God placed her in the palace for a reason. God arranged every detail so that to do was trust God and act in faith. moment. Sometimes our situations are so dark and confusing that we assume God has lost control. Even when we doubt,
16 The Associate Reformed Presbyterian
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