For Such a Time as This

“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14b

Esther was a common Jewish girl with a grand purpose: saving God’s people from annihilation.

The Persian King Xerxes had rejected Queen Vashti for disobeying an order to appear before him at a great feast (Esther 1:19). So, he looked for her replacement. He sent agents to find the most beautiful virgins in the kingdom to be prepared for an audition. They would spend a year in beauty treatments before going before King Xerxes for a chance to become queen. And Esther, who was stunningly beautiful, won this honor (Esther 2:17).

Yet her victory would present trouble for her.

Her cousin, Mordecai, refused to bow before an enemy of God’s people named Haman (Esther 3:2). This infuriated Haman, so he concocted a plot to kill every Jew in the kingdom, not just Mordecai. This meant Esther herself would be on the chopping block, too (Esther 4:13).

However, regardless of the danger, she would stand up for her people.

Esther would risk her life to go before King Xerxes uninvited. And if he didn’t accept her by extending his royal scepter she’d be killed on the spot.

For Such a Time as This

While most of us won’t face the certain death of ourselves and our people, we all have defining moments in our lives. These are situations where we have a choice: stand with what’s right or duck and cover in fear.

You see, God promoted Esther to save his people. She was, as Mordecai put it, created for “such a time as this.”

God uses everything that happens in our lives to position us for eternal impact. As Paul wrote, he prepares good works in advance for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10).

The only question is whether or not we’ll live as Jesus commands, regardless of the consequences.

Ultimately, Esther’s bravery saved her people from genocide. This is just one in many stories of God saving his people.

The big idea?

God has a plan and a purpose to bring about great good in the world by our actions as his people.

What defining moment are you facing where you can fulfill God’s purposes?