For such a time

Esther married into the royal household at a time when it was dangerous to be (1) a Jew; (2) a woman in the king's courts. A double challenge. When her uncle Mordecai encouraged her to tell the king about a plot against the Jews, Esther was afraid. Though she was the queen, if she went to the king's throne room without an invite, she could be executed. But Mordecai told her, 'If you keep quiet... 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 just such a time as this' (Esther 4:13-14 NLT)?

Mordecai's faith is strong: he knows that God's got it. God will come through, one way or another. But alongside his trust that God had the big picture sorted, Mordecai also knew Esther's choice was a real one, with real consequences for her and those around her. CS Lewis observed: 'God can make good use of all that happens. But the loss is real.'

God puts us where he wants us, and our choices in that place affect those around us. But he promises to look after us: 'Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you' (Isaiah 41:10 NLT).



So what now? Have you been presented with an opportunity? If this opportunity involves you being like Esther: a person 'for such a time as this', pray for God's help to approach someone in authority about the change you envisage.





— SCRIPTURE —

'You have come to the kingdom for such a time as this.' Esther 4:14 NKJV
— SOULFOOD —

Heb 5-8, Luke 10:1-12, Ps 5, Pro 5:1-2