Such a Time As This

When the Persians overthrew the Babylonians and allowed the people of
Israel to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple (538 BC), not all
the Israelites chose to leave their new home. A whole generation had
been born and raised under Babylonian captivity and many had become
content with their life. The resulting Persian empire contained many
Jewish communities.

When Xerxes was King of this vast empire he commanded the Queen to be
displayed before all the visiting dignitaries at a banquet. But when
the Queen refused, Xerxes removed her title and began to search for a
replacement. The search resulted in a young Jewish girl named Esther
being made Queen - not a normal position for a young Jew!

Meanwhile, a plot had developed to kill the Jews in all the provinces
of Persia. Esther's cousin, Mordecai, knew of this plot and pleaded
with Esther to approach the King for help, but Esther was
understandably reluctant. She was being very well cared for and
approaching the King without first being invited could lead to
death. Mordecai encouraged Esther to view her life as being part of
God's wonderful plan.

Esther 4:14
"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 royal
position for such a time as this?"

God allowed Esther to become Queen, not as a reward for being good,
but "for such a time as this." God could have used other methods to
save the Jews, but He chose to invite a beautiful young woman to play
a part. Esther put her life at risk, persuaded the King, and saved
her people from certain destruction.

The wisdom and truth of Mordecai's words resound through the ages:
God's work WILL be accomplished, His plan WILL unfold, deliverance
WILL arise! It's humbling, and often very freeing, to know that God
really doesn't need us - He's perfectly capable without our
help! But it's also very comforting to know that God is inviting us
to join Him in His work and walk by His side to certain victory.

We may never be invited to a role as dramatic as Esther's, but we
must join our Heavenly Father from right where we are today! We have
come to our particular position - no matter how elevated, no matter
how low - for the purpose of bringing Him glory and honor. Let's
listen carefully for what He's asking us to do and understand we're
right where we need to be and right where He wants us! He has
created us for a purpose. He has brought us to our present situation
for such a time as this.

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

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Scripture references: The Holy Bible: New International Version.
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.

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