For Such A Time As This
Daily Old Testament Reading: Esther 4-6
Daily Focus Passage: Esther 4
The Book of Esther centers on God's work in rescuing his people. Esther becomes queen during a difficult time for the people of Israel. The people of Israel faced the certainty of persecution and death. Yet God marvelously and majestically placed Esther as queen, as we understand. Mordecai encourages Esther with simple words. For such a time as this, we must recognize that Esther, we, as followers of Christ, have been strategically positioned in the world today for such a time as this. As a result, we must seek to make an eternal impact in faithfulness for the Lord.
THE PLACE WE ARE
Esther had been placed in the position of Queen to serve the Lord and carry out God's redemptive plan. Esther may have yet to understand why she was placed in this position. Mordecai reminds her that God has put her there for this season of life.
The place where God placed Esther may not have been an easy place to place. Esther could have faced death from the king. Esther could have lost her position as Queen, but God's plan put her in that position for that strategic moment for his will. Today, believers are placed where they are to serve the Lord. We may not understand the dynamics surrounding us or the hurdles we face, but God has placed us in the position of carrying out his will and working for His Kingdom. The life of Esther must serve as a reminder that God has strategically placed us for such a time as this.
THE PROPER VIEW OF WHERE WE ARE
Esther had to change her perspective about the place God had put her in life as Queen; she carried great influence and, at the same time, struggled against the threat of losing that position or even her life if she spoke openly to the king. The encouragement from Mordecai helped Esther maintain a proper perspective of understanding how God was using her place for his glory.
Here are at least three truths we must stand today that demonstrate the perspective Esther used from our place for such a time as this. First, we must see the opportunity. If we are to understand how God can use us, we must see the opportunity. We must understand that God is opening doors around us and bringing him to society. We have a perspective of opportunity; we focus on what can and can occur. The opportunity has us seeking to serve the Lord and trusting his guidance.
Second, we must have the perspective of sacrifice. Esther had the perspective of sacrifice when understanding her opportunity from her position. She approached the king with the willingness to face death to be used by God. Esther was ready to sacrifice the glories of this world for obedience.
Third, we must have a heart of service. Esther sought to serve the Lord and her people with a servant's heart. She did not approach the king with selfish gain in mind but instead approached the king with the heart to serve her people.
THE HEART OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP
Esther practiced servant leadership. She practiced genuine love. When we consider Esters's example, we must come to the place where we position our hearts to the condition of servanthood. We must seek to serve the Lord in faithfulness and serve others to impact their life. For the Lord, we must strive not to serve with selfish desires but instead serve others from the love of God within us. Esther shows us the importance of seeing the opportunity in the place God has put us in, not in the negative but in light of God's presence, power, and plan; we come to the place of being used by God and seeing the opportunity before us to bring him glory.
How is your attitude? Are you living with the proper perspective of opportunity? Are you living in a position or perspective of sacrifice? The truth is, God has placed you right where you are to serve him for his glory and kingdom for such a time as this.
