Have you ever had a case of the “if onlys”? “If only I had a better job I could…” or “If only my kids would listen to me…” or “If only I had a spouse that would study the Bible with me, I would…” The “if onlys” can be the dead end of a life of progress.

Mordecai wasn’t at all plagued by the “if onlys.” Instead, he seemed to always be asking God, “How can I use my position in this world right now to make things better for my people?” That meant that he was always on the lookout for the opportunities God was presenting him, and when he saw them, he didn’t hesitate to take them. Raising the orphaned Esther as his own daughter, Esther’s chance to be queen, foiling an assassination of the king, encouraging Esther to advocate for her people’s salvation from destruction – all these actions necessitated that Mordecai be ready to act, not sitting around bemoaning what he thought his life should be. Who would have guessed that a palace guard and his adopted daughter would save God’s people and change the world for future generations?

By the end of the book of Esther, we see that Mordecai received blessing and honor for his tireless work for the good of the Jewish people. He was able to do this work because he was faithful and ready to walk into the opportunities God presented to him.

Are you paralyzed by a case of the “if onlys”? Instead, follow Mordecai’s example to ask God how he can use you in just the place you are right now.

Col 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”

Suggestion: Honestly examine your attitude toward where you find yourself in your life at the present time. If you find that you have allowed yourself to be shackled by the “if onlys,” then write out a prayer and confess this before the Lord. Let Him know you want to see the opportunities to do His work right where you are. Then watch for those opportunities and be ready to step into them as He shows them to you!