Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13-14 NLT)

“For such a time as this” invokes courage and hope among believers. These words inspire us toward that one defining moment we all long for—our chance to make a difference. 

Over the last 25 years or so, my “assignments” were being given to me through my jobs. God put me on these mini missions, short term assignments, all right here in Wichita so that I could help others.

Most often I was placed in positions of leadership and influence.

I have a background of 40 plus years in business development & marketing with a tiny degree from a private fashion merchandising school that opened doors that I never thought would be possible…but God.

It took me a while to understand what was going on as I moved from one entity to another after short stays of three years or less. I always trusted that God had the next step in place, and He did, and it was always a step up. I realized that I was placed in these positions to HELP and make a difference.

Sometimes it was to help rebuild a dyeing company, or to find finances for a business, or help negotiate a business lease, or to help a business shut down while helping the employees, who were losing their jobs, process & know that they were going to come out okay.

I think God chose me for these assignments, not just for my knowledge and care for others, but because I don’t mind change. I don’t mind God taking me to new locations to do His work, to show His Light, all to make a difference.

My last contracted position was only for two years. I knew that, and God had told me that. Yet as my contract was coming to an end, the non-profit I was working with approached me to become a permanent fixture with a wonderful salary. Tempting. But I reminded them that God had told me no, that I could only stay two years.

I didn’t know what was next, I just trusted.

A lot of women have been helped At the Market! And a lot of friendships have been formed that will last a lifetime.

I don’t believe in happenstance. We also helped women who had wondered in off the streets in dyer situations. We were able to get them to the right resources. There was absolutely no reason as to why they landed at our location. There was no blinking red sign that said, “get help here”.

Here's a short list of some of the women we helped:

·        A lady who was released from county jail and walked to our location with no shoes. (Several miles.)

·        A woman and her three-year-old son, who was dropped off and abandoned by her husband in the streets of Wichita with no money or cell phone.

·        A woman who had been beaten and left on the outskirts of Wichita and walked to our business for help.

The stories are endless. But for such a time as this.

After closing Sunni Daiz Inspiration, which I’ve had for 10 years, and closing At the Market! which I’ve had 5 ½ years, I am waiting for my next mission assignment. I am almost 67 years old and am excited to see what God is bringing next.

The takeaway from this writing is it doesn’t matter how old you are, but how willing you are to listen for it as it is spoken to you, and how willing you are to take on the God assignment. God has equipped you for it, no matter how scary it may seem. It may not be very big, it may be small, regardless, do it anyways. You will find blessings beyond measure! Go out there and make a difference! 

Debra Lee

Author/Keynote Speaker

Books: "It Is What It Is" & "Making Wise Choices"