For Such a Time as This

Are you familiar with the story of Esther?

It’s a powerful story of God’s providence, courage, and deliverance. In an extremely quick summary, King Xerxes – the king of Persia – was on the hunt to replace the Queen that he just removed from office, because she wouldn’t come to his side every time he called. Esther was a young orphaned Jewish girl, who was raised by her cousin, Mordecai, who just so happened to work as a palace official. Esther became Queen but kept her family details and nationality a secret. A man named Haman, was the king’s second in command, who hated Mordecai and also hated the Jews. Haman convinced the king to agree with the plan he created for all Jews to be killed, slaughtered, and annihilated. Mordecai sent word of the decree to Esther and encouraged her to go before the king to help save the Jews.

Esther is faced with the fear of death to approach the king uninvited and reminds her cousin of the law that states unless the king holds out his golden scepter she will die for approaching him in such a way. Mordecai replies, “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all the other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for such a time as this?” – Esther 4: 13-14.

There are obviously many more details to this story - like a plan to assassinate the king, and a couple of extravagant dinner parties…but here’s what the Holy Spirit has been stirring in me as I’ve reflected on this story:

1. None of us are exempt from the schemes of the evil one - who’s greatest purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy.

2. We aren’t meant to stay quiet, when those around us need deliverance and relief.

3. Fear isn’t a good enough excuse to not step out in faith when God is prompting us to do so.

4. God saw the vastness of time and chose this point in history for you to live. With the family, friends, co-workers, and neighbours that He’s placed around you. Whatever the Holy Spirit is stirring in your heart to do, listen and obey, for perhaps you are placed there for such a time as this.

Women of God, our journey on earth is for a purpose. We may be trembling in fear and wavering in our voice, but our God is in control of every golden scepter that holds earthly power that is currently gripping us in fear. The word of God is meant to be ingrained in our hearts so that our lips would speak Truth and life. Truth and life to ourselves, as well as to and for those around us. Our voice has power - to speak against injustice, to call out the evil in our world, and to encourage others to live a life that expresses love through action. God has made us competent, to be strong in His Spirit, and to walk in His confidence.

We have been chosen for such a time as this.