Just such a time as this

It’s been a while since I’ve “blog”-ged. I really enjoy blogging because it allows me to expose my thoughts for everyone to see, but mostly because it allows me to speak my mind.
Over the past month or so I’ve been reading the book of Esther, along with “Great Lives from God’s Word - Esther, A Woman of Strength & Dignity” by Charles R. Swindoll. I can already hear you guys saying - it is a woman’s book! Let me tell you, Esther is only 10 chapters long, but the way God places Esther as Queen and then uses her to save her people is amazing to me. There are some awesome characteristics of Esther that I need to have in my own life.

At this time in the book of Esther, one of the officials in the King’s court, Haman, has it out for the Jews. He doesn’t know that Esther is a Jew. Esther has won the heart of King Ahasuerus yet Haman comes before the king wanting to kill all the Jews. This is the moment I want to speak about. This is what challenges me.

The protocol is not for the Queen to go before the King without being invited. Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, who raised Esther (because her parents died when she was young) is an advisor to her so he gives her these words,

"Don't think that just because you live in the king's house you're the one Jew who will get out of this alive. If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this." Esther 4:13, 14 (The Message)

Here is my challenge. Here is what speaks to me loud and clear, the last statement made by Mordecai - “Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.” He’s basically saying, “Esther - maybe this is why God put you where you are. Maybe this is why the King has found you more beautiful than any other woman in all the land. Maybe this is why you are the Queen - to save the lives of the Jews.”

Man, what a different perspective this brings. These events didn’t happen by accident. I didn’t stumble upon the position I am in right now. I may not know it, but maybe, just maybe, God has me here for a greater purpose. I think through the times, events and locations of my life and even though I didn’t recognize those moments, hindsight is always 20/20. I can see how God worked, shaped and moved in me and directed my path.

If you are struggling with your situation, job, position, or season of life you’re in: let me encourage you. Find out why you are where you are. Find your reason and your purpose. It may be tough right now but understand, God promises, “…I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (The Message)