There are moments in life when I’ve wondered why I’m here, why I’ve been placed in a particular situation, or why I’ve had to face specific challenges. Some of these seasons have felt random—like I was just drifting and everything was out of my control. But the story of Esther reminds me that nothing is accidental. God placed me here for a purpose.

Esther was an orphan, a young Jewish girl who never imagined she would become a queen. Yet, through a series of divine circumstances, she found herself in the palace of King Xerxes, crowned as queen of Persia. When a plot was uncovered to annihilate her people, she was faced with a choice: stay silent and protect herself or risk everything to speak up. Her uncle Mordecai’s words have echoed through history: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 NIV).

Like Esther, we have been placed in this world at this exact moment in history for a reason. The world today certainly feels overwhelming—wars, injustice, suffering, and hopelessness seem to be everywhere. Most days, taking a peek at world news requires that I brace myself, and afterward, I’m left with a sour taste in my mouth. Mixed with news of suffering and pain is the blatant selfishness that permeates social media and looks like extreme cries for help. The world and the people in it look helpless, holding onto things that could easily be taken and lost. But God has not left us helpless. He has positioned us in our families, communities, workplaces, and friendships to be bearers of hope.

Hope is a powerful thing. It is what kept Esther moving forward despite her fear. It is what gives us the courage to stand up for truth, to show love when hatred abounds, and to believe that God is working even when we cannot see the full picture. Hope is never lost, even when it feels like darkness is winning. It is alive in every act of kindness, every moment of faith, and every decision to trust in God’s plan.

The enemy would love to convince us that our voices don’t matter, that our actions are insignificant, and that our faith is too small to make a difference. In a world full of so many opinions, why would my words matter? It is easier to believe that no one is listening and our words and actions will amount to nothing. But Esther’s story proves otherwise. One woman’s courage, rooted in faith, saved an entire nation. And in the same way, our obedience to God—no matter how small it may seem—can bring light into dark places.

Spreading hope does not always mean standing before kings or large crowds. It doesn’t mean having a large audience or being an influential figure in your community. Sometimes, it’s as simple as encouraging a friend, speaking truth in love, showing kindness to a stranger, or praying for those who are hurting. Sometimes, it’s stepping out of our comfort zones to fight for justice, to care for the broken, and to remind the world that God has not forgotten them.

We are hope. When we choose to love in a world full of hate, we are hope. When we forgive when others expect bitterness, we are hope. When we show grace, stand for truth, and live with purpose, we create a space where hope flourishes. Our lives are a testament to the goodness of God, and every action of faith and love plants seeds of hope in others.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

I don’t know what you are facing right now. Maybe you feel out of place, like Esther must have felt in the palace. Maybe you feel insignificant, like your words and actions don’t really matter. But they do. God has placed you where you are for such a time as this. Your presence in this world is not a mistake. You are here to shine His light, to offer hope, and to remind people of the love of Christ.

So today, let’s ask ourselves: How can I bring hope into someone’s life? Let’s be bold. Let’s step into our calling. And let’s trust that God has us right where we are for a reason. Because in Christ, hope is never lost.