I was reading the book of Esther a few months ago and have been wanting to write about my realization for quite some time. I think you have probably heard the phrase “For Such a Time as This” even if you haven’t read the book of Esther. This phrase is in Esther and refers to the fact that she had been placed in the palace at a time her people, the Jews, needed help.
Take a minute to read the book of Esther. It isn’t long.
It truly is amazing that Esther’s journey led her to being in the palace at the time she was needed. However, there is something I missed when previously reading the book. If it wasn’t for Mordecai, would she have done what she was meant to do?
Esther was afraid. She didn’t want to do it. Look at verse 11. She is trying to tell Mordecai that she doesn’t want to go to the King. She can’t. There is a law and she could be put to death.
Here is what he says to her:
Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 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?
So Esther finds her bravery and does her part.
A couple things I take away from this passage.
- We need people to spur us on. We need to challenge each other. We need to call each other out when we see someone positioned for something. We need friends who can help us follow our calling.
- God can use someone else. We get the profound honor of being part of God’s plan in this world. We get to be in positions that allow us to do our part. If we don’t? He’ll use someone else and we miss out on the amazing opportunity. I want to be part of his plan! Don’t you? Imagine if Esther has chosen fear instead.
I always put Esther up on a pedestal I think. But, honestly, she was afraid just like me. She didn’t want to take the first step. However, thankfully, with the help of Mordecai she realized her full potential and walked forward. God rewarded that and accomplished his plan through her.
What a tremendous encouragement to all of us. Let’s all be open to what God has for us today and seek to recognize the calling on those around us too. Mordecai’s part was just as important as Esther’s.
