116 of 365 - For such a Time as This

For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
 
The Jewish people are in exile for many generations. At last, they are permitted to go back home to Jerusalem. Zerubbabel returns and the temple is built. Ezra returns and the Law is again proclaimed. Nehemiah returns and the walls are rebuilt.
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However, not all of the Jews returned. In fact, many decided to stay where they were. Through several generations, their exiled city had become their home. Esther takes place during this time. Esther is a Jew living in Persia. She is an orphan raised by her cousin, Mordecai, a God-fearing man. Esther catches the eye of the king and becomes the queen of Persia. Mordecai alerts her to a plot from within the castle to destroy the entire Jewish population. You see, the king doesn’t know that Esther is Jewish.
 
Mordecai encourages Esther to go to the king and do something or all her people, including him, will die. She is fearful though. Approaching the king without permission – even by the queen – could result in death, and the king had not called for her in some time. Mordecai tells her it is up to her, that perhaps she has been placed in this position “for such a time as this.”

Esther asks that everyone fast and pray for three days, herself included. At the end of three days, she bravely approaches the king. Through faith in God, prayer, and fasting, her actions ultimately saved the Jewish people from being annihilated.

Have you ever thought that maybe God has placed you exactly where you are for a specific purpose? It might be scary with uncertain outcomes, but if you trust Him and approach your calling, you could be part of an amazing miracle.

Challenge: Take an inventory of where God has you right now. What spheres of influence do you have? What skills are you working on? What circumstances do you find yourself in? Spend time praying about how God may be wanting to use you RIGHT where you are, for such a time as this.