For Such A Time…
The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found favor and kindness with him more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. Esther 1:17 ESV
The book of Esther is filled with page turning events that demonstrate God’s sovereignty. Even though God is never mentioned in the book, His mighty hand is at work from beginning to end.
Think of how circumstances might have changed had God not divinely been directing the course of events. Would Queen Vashti have petitioned the King on behalf of the Jews? Would anyone in the King’s court have ‘gone to bat,’ so to speak, for the Jewish nation if Mordecai had not known of the plot? What if Mordecai had given honor to Haman and not given cause for Haman to seek out his life? What if Esther had not been chosen queen?
So many different scenarios could have developed but the one that took place is the one of God’s plan and design.
Mordecai reveals God’s ultimate handling of the dire circumstance he and all the other Jews face (including Queen Esther) when he exhorts Esther with this chilling message:
For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
(Esther 4:14 ESV)
Ponder those words for a moment. God has orchestrated events to allow Esther to be queen and pursue the King for her people. This was Esther’s “for such a time as this.” God perfectly plotted the course, allowing Esther her appointment in time to courageously participate in the work He was doing. One way or another, deliverance would come to the Jews and Esther was God’s divine placement before the King.
What is your ‘for such a time as this?’ Where has God placed you at home, church, work, ministry or as a parent? Who are the people around you? Are you prepared to do God’s work or plan in dire circumstances?
Believers in Christ are called to act on His behalf, the question is, will you be ready? The best way to be prepared is by staying grounded in God’s word, thoroughly letting it saturate every aspect of your life. Live it, don’t just read it. Study it with purpose, don’t just graze and read it. Disciple those around you to do the same, remembering God has placed people in your life for a reason.
Whatever place God has you in at this moment, it isn’t without purpose. When an opportunity presents itself, you may find yourself asking the same question, and who knows whether you have not come for such a time as this?
In Christ Alone,
Dana
awesome post.
So true, Dana. God has placed us exactly where He needs us. May I be obedient to His plan for my life and do not grow weary.