For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 NIV)
The book of Esther is about a young Jewish woman who found herself as the queen of Persia. And during that time, a threat was launched against the Jews. One that was intended to lead to their extermination as a people. Mordecai, her cousin, revealed the plot to Esther and encouraged her to take it to the king. But she was fearful of going unbidden into his presence.
Mordecai’s response to Esther led her to go see the king, at great potential risk to herself, and share with him this threat to her people. As a result, the threat was neutralized, the one plotting against them was killed, and the Jews became stronger. Because Esther took seriously the words of Mordecai recorded in this verse.
But are his words for her alone? Or do they have a broader application?
For Such a Time
Esther was called to make a difference where she was. I believe that we also are called to make a difference where we find ourselves. We do not know what impact our lives might have on others. Our impact may be intentional, as in Esther’s case. And sometimes quite unknowingly. But, regardless, we should live in such a way that our lives have a positive influence on those we encounter each day.
We cannot always know why God has placed us where we are. But we can be assured that he has put us where we are “for such a time as this.” Make a difference in your world.
