“For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” ~ Esther 4: 13-14
One of the truly beautiful things about the Bible is that no matter how often I read a scripture passage, it continually reveals new insights about God’s love.
My recent Bible studies have taken me to the Book of Esther. It is an encouraging story of faith and valor in a time when the Lord
may have seemed very far away. Much like today, God’s people were living in an antagonistic world that did not acknowledge the Lord or welcome His followers.
may have seemed very far away. Much like today, God’s people were living in an antagonistic world that did not acknowledge the Lord or welcome His followers.
By God’s design, Esther finds herself in a position to take action to prevent the annihilation of the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire. This action, however, could bring about her immediate death. Her reluctance to step forward brought an affirmation of faith from her cousin, Mordecai, to let God use her . . . or be set aside.
The Lord is still orchestrating Christian lives. All of us have experienced what I call a “God moment.” A time when we must step out on faith to take action on someone else’s behalf or face being set aside. The Lord will always accomplish His purpose. If we waver in our faith, then He will use someone else.
The story of Esther is so encouraging for us when faced with our “God moment.” I would recommend that we follow the example of both Mordecai and Esther in our approach to answering the Lord’s call to action. Always begin with prayer, seeking God’s guidance. Surrender to the Lord’s will and have confidence in Him. Regardless of what happens, our trust should be in God. Only He knows why He chose us for such a time as this.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that I will face challenges that require faith to step forward on someone else’s behalf. Give me the strength to surrender to Your will and trust in You.
Thank You for reminding me that I will face challenges that require faith to step forward on someone else’s behalf. Give me the strength to surrender to Your will and trust in You.
