August 2017 Articles

Archives by Months

Spiritual Corner: Who Knows?

Spiritual Corner:
Who Knows?
I just recently got hired as Union Christian Academy’s head basketball coach for the Lady Lions basketball team. Initially, my strong competitive nature surfaced. What was I going to do to ensure that my team were winners? How might I coach to help us win championships? The day dreams of countless won games filled my head as my competitive spirit churned inside of me. Soon, however, something in me changed slightly. Don’t misunderstand me, my competitiveness still rests firmly inside of my person, but something did change. I think the best way to explain it would be to use one of my favorite scriptures. In the book of Esther, Esther has just become King Xerxes’ queen. Esther’s uncle, Mordecai, discovers that the king has agreed to issue a decree saying that all Jews will be killed on a specific day. This endangers Mordecai and Queen Esther herself, along with numerous others. Mordecai asks Esther to appeal to the king, but Esther is afraid, for she could be killed by approaching the king without permission. Mordecai then says to Esther, ‘“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?”’ (Esther 4:12-14). This last line of scripture is the verse that really describes my inner change in approaching my new position as head coach. Mordecai showed Esther that God may have very well helped her to become queen for just the very reason of saving the Jewish people. Her royalty wasn’t about her; it was about how she could glorify God through her actions and love other people. When I looked at my new position through the lens of this verse, I realized that, while winning is still important when it comes to sports, it’s not the most important thing. The most important thing in anyone’s life should be their spiritual lives and what do you know? God has given me the opportunity to impact roughly 20 girls’ spiritual lives! Suddenly, my new job wasn’t all about winning. It became more about the impact for Jesus I could have on these lives entrusted to me. Who knows? God may have put me in this position for just a time as this or for a time that will undoubtedly come. I believe that He did. I believe it wholeheartedly. That’s not all I believe. I also believe that wherever you are in your life right now, that He has put you there for just such a time as this. You are in a position where you have some type of influence. Use your influence to further the Gospel of Christ! I know that all of us may not be overjoyed at our current position in life. I understand that, trust me. However, I encourage you to be content with your position. The apostle Paul says in Philippians, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13). Strive to be content with where God has planted you right now and strive to live for Christ in your position. I believe that God has greater plans for you than you could ever imagine if you will just take a leap of faith and be courageous for God through the influence you have in your position. All it takes is faith the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20). “And who knows but that you have come to your (…) position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).

--Dana Alexander

*This spiritual corner was inspired by a Bible Study taught by Coach Barmore from Cedar Creek School when I was in high school. Coach Barmore’s lesson is what prompted me to ever look at Esther 4:14 in this specific way. Since then, it has become one of my favorite verses and always serves as a reminder for me to always strive to use my positions to glorify God.*