For Such a Time as This

In our master bathroom, between our mirrors, hangs a sign that says “for such a time as this.” Those six words carry so much weight in our household, and my husband and I look upon them daily to remember God’s faithfulness and timing. 

In August of last year, Kris and I had a 72-hour window where we wanted to go on an adventure but didn’t know what to do or where to go, and it was too hot to go camping. The crazy idea popped into our heads about going to Pennsylvania to see Esther showing at the Sight and Sounds Theater (which we’ve always wanted to see). Within an hour, we packed our bags, called his parents to see if our daughter could spend a few nights with them, got the dog situated, and went to Lancaster. It was a 20-hour drive, 1,449 miles. We knew we had enough time to drive there, hit the show, and return to Texas. Taking two-hour driving shifts and buying tickets on the way to the Saturday show was the most spontaneous trip we’ve ever taken, and it was worth it. It was on this trip that we bought the sign that hangs in between our mirrors. 

In the book of Esther, we find a Jewish girl without parents growing up in exile under the care of her cousin, Mordecai. This is not where one would expect God to move so mightily. Yet, God proves His faithfulness to His people using the most unlikely set of circumstances; His name is not mentioned once, but His presence is felt within every verse of the story. 

In chapter 2, under the king’s edict, Esther is thrown into a year-long beauty pageant, and Scripture says she pleased the king and won his favor so that he placed the royal crown on her head. 

In chapter 4, when Mordecai found out what would happen to his people, he pleaded with Esther to beg for mercy on behalf of the Jews. In response, Mordecai says in Esther 4:14, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”

As the story goes, Esther’s bravery, grace, and God’s perfect timing saved the Jewish people from death. Esther’s exact words in doing so were, “if I perish, I perish.” She was so convinced that God would either save her people or take her to be with Him in the process that she was willing to put her life on the line for it. 

On the thirteenth day, the king’s edict came true in the twelfth month of Adar, and the Jews prevailed. An annual celebration was put into place that Jews all over the world still carry out to this day, and Mordecai was placed second in command and held in high esteem as “one who sought the good of his people” (Esther 10:3). 

From a literary standpoint, the book of Esther is an actual work of genius that is unmatched, in my opinion. It includes parties and royalty, an unlikely underdog becoming queen, bravery, conspiracy, and the tests of loyalty, battle and victory, irony, and epic reversals at almost every event. The book of Esther leaves you on the edge of your seat with the turning of each chapter. 

From a spiritual standpoint, Esther’s character is one of my favorites. She is beautiful, kind, graceful, patient, and trusting in her God she knows to be faithful. She does not take her position as queen lightly, especially when approaching the king for such a monumental request. 

God can use anyone. But He chose to use Esther. And Esther ran her race well, using her background, status, and every piece of her story all for the glory of the one true God. Our heavenly Father can use anyone, but He wants to use YOU. Use every piece of the story God has given you for His glory. You are placed exactly where you are—in this time, in this place, for such a time as this.

Questions for Thought

Daily Challenge