For Such A Time As This

 While in the rest of the Bible God is more directly a part of the scriptural narrative, in the book of Esther His involvement is more low-key. Though God is not directly mentioned in the book, His hand is seen in everything. Through God’s subtle workings, His plan comes to fruition and His purposes are accomplished. 


Esther was an orphan, taken in and cared for by her uncle, Mordecai (Es. 2:7). From humble and tragic beginnings and through the workings of God, she soon found herself to be Queen of Persia (vs 17). 


When wicked Haman advances through the ranks and seeks the destruction of all the Jews because of Mordecai’s refusal to bow and pay homage to him (ch. 3), Esther is suddenly in a place of great consequence regarding the destiny of her people. When Mordecai discovered Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews, he sent word to Queen Esther: “If you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place… Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (4:14). 


Mordecai had trust in God that no matter what Esther chose to do that He would protect His people. Our God is a faithful God! Mordecai also knew that God uses His people to accomplish His purposes. Perhaps Esther was chosen by God to rise from the tragedy of being orphaned to becoming a savior to her people! And Esther did just that. 


The book of Esther teaches the valuable lesson that God is always in control and that He puts His people in situations to serve. Let us use the situations God puts us in as Esther did- to His glory!

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