For Such a Time as This

​I went through four majors before even entertaining a physical therapy degree.  Even though it wasn’t anything I ever expected to do, I loved every minute of physical therapy school. I enjoyed learning the ins and outs of every body system, with emphasis on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. I studied movement and learned patient care, specifically for children.
 
For five years I had the privilege of treating kids with movement disorders. I thought my education was for them. I wasn’t wrong, but I couldn’t see the big picture back then.

​I remember tidying up my desk before I left for my second maternity leave. I planned to return in just twelve short weeks. Instead, five weeks later we were in the pediatric intensive care unit with our newborn. The differential diagnosis list was long, but movement disorders were top suspects.

I was scared for her life and, to be honest, for my own. Even in that moment I remember thinking, perhaps I was brought into this position for such a time as this.
 
Esther was encouraged by this same notion. As a young, secretly-Jewish queen of an anti-Semitic Kingdom, she found herself in a position none of us would ever want to be in.
 
Her cousin Mordecai overheard a plan being carried out by the King’s right-hand man (Hamaan), to annihilate the Jewish people. He approaches Esther with a dangerous 3-part request:
 

1. Approach the King without being summoned
2. Inform him of his trusted advisor’s murderous plan
3. Ask the King to act on behalf of her people.

 
Esther had a lot to lose: the King’s favor, her position as queen, and her very life. Mordecai both comforts and challenges her with these words, “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
 
Every piece of creation moves as God commands it. Mordecai acknowledges this when he says “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place…”  God was going to rescue his people regardless of Esther’s obedience. The fulfillment of God’s plan to deliver His people was not dependent on her; however, God had given her the opportunity.
 
God places desires on our hearts and moves us into positions that will bring Him glory. He gives us the freedom to choose whether we will be a part of a greater story. Obedience will cost us our comfort, our desires, and, sometimes, our own lives. God doesn’t promise a pain-free life, but He promises us His presence.
 
God’s plan for my daughter, and the great glory he will bring through her life and diagnosis, is not dependent on me. Even so, He graciously and lovingly equipped me to play an integral role. It is going to hurt. It will not be easy. But I know I do not want to miss it.
 
Whether we are struck by tragedy, challenged by adversity, or find ourselves in a place we never expected to be, may we see God’s hand at work in our lives, consider our purpose, and respond in obedience, trusting that God will be faithful to complete His good work in us.
 

About the Author

​Hi, I'm Katelyn Wilson! I live in Springfield, MO with my husband Michael and our two daughters, Quincy (3) and Landry (1). I worked as a pediatric physical therapist until a year ago when Landry was diagnosed with a rare and devastating genetic disorder. Motherhood has been a pain-laden journey through miscarriages, foster care, and now navigating life as a medical mom and advocate FOR LANDRY. I am learning how to mother and find joy in a life so very different from the one I planned. The only easy part is pointing to the all-encompassing deliverance and hope we find in Jesus.

Connect with Katelyn at www.forlandry.com

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