“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?” Esther 4:13-14
We are in unprecedented times. There is no question this event will go down in our history books. As we are a month into being quarantined, we find it challenging to not look to our past freedom. Boredom, anxiety, stress, fear, and loneliness are some of the many emotions stirring crazily within us.
If you are an athlete, you are longing to get back to your sport. You have made many sacrifices, but a sacrifice you never thought you would have to make is giving it up for an unknown length of time. Seasons were canceled, athletic careers were cut short, and potential careers are uncertain. So how do we make the most out of this time? How can we take our competitive spirits and channel it in a positive way?
“For such a time as this” is a popular saying. People use it in motivational speeches or in times of prosperity and favor. However, if we were to look at the context of this verse we would see that Mordecai is using it to reprimand Esther on her self-indulgent ways of living. She had accumulated a lot of wealth in a short time span and was starting to forget who had blessed her in abundance. This phrase was used as a reminder of the sacrifices she needed to make for her people, even if it cost her everything.
Mordecai’s reminder lights a fire within Esther as she asks him to gather all of the Jews in Susa to fast with her for three days. During this time of prayer, I am sure she asks for God’s grace and protection to be shown upon her for when she goes to make her requests before the king. This was a significant act as it was illegal to approach the king unless summoned. The only exception was for the king to extend the gold scepter to her and spare her life (Esther 4:11). Esther knew her actions could lead to death, but she also knew God had placed her in the palace for such a time as this.
With boldness and a humble heart, Esther went before the king to petition for her people. God honored her courage by granting her favor. She was able to approach the king several times without being summoned and eventually requested that he protect her people. By God’s grace, the king granted her request and her people were saved.
It is easy to look at this and think, well this is all good, but Esther was an important person who was given a big platform to make a difference. I’m, however, just a normal person who does not have a position of great influence.
I totally get it. I have thought this many times, especially when looking at other big time athletes and the big following they have.
But this is where the comparison trap gets us and smothers us from stepping out in faith. Yes, a professional or famous collegiate athlete will reach more people because of the platform God has given them. However, it is not about how many you reach. It is about sharing God’s heart with others. The people around you are the people God has placed in your life for a reason. Even if it means blessing one person, that is worth it to Him.
Think about it as a chain effect. Your one act could bless one person, that one person is inspired to bless another person, and that person could go on to bless many! It all started because you decided sitting silent was not good enough. This is the power of God.
I truly believe God is doing something new. He did not cause the virus to happen, but He is allowing it to continue for a reason. Maybe He is trying to hit the reset button in order to get our attention as we have become so distracted by everything this world has to offer. Or maybe He is trying to get us to reorient the way we do things on every scale.
Regardless, it is not our job to understand everything God is doing. One of the best lessons I have learned is that sometimes God withholds knowledge from us because it can be too much to bear or we need to go through a process before we are ready for an answer.
While we need to be wise and follow the rules, the phrase “for such a time as this” could not be more applicable. No matter what your situation is, God is calling you out of your comfort zone so His name can be lifted up.
We do not know how long this is going to last - it could end tomorrow or it could last a couple more months. But when this is all over, are you going to be able to say you have spent your time well? Whose voice are we going to allow to be the loudest? This is such a perfect time to spread truth into peoples’ hopelessness. This is the perfect time to stand firm in your faith and declare what you believe.
So what are you going to do in such a time as this? I am challenging you today to pray and ask God to guide you, give you courage, and provide you with ways in which you can bless others!
Dear Father, please forgive me for sitting still and letting this time pass by. This time is challenging and confusing, but I pray that you would show me how I can use it well. I want to make a difference for your kingdom. While you may not give me a platform as big as Esther’s, please give me the same boldness you gave her. If it means impacting just one person’s life, then it is all worth it. I am ready, Lord. Use me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
