Such a Time as This
Perhaps you find yourself wondering when your time will come. Maybe you are in a season of wait or floundering in a place without purpose. I have news for you…you aren’t alone.
Have you ever read the book of Esther? It is a 10-chapter book in the Old Testament snuggled in between Nehemiah and Job.
While the story is a short one, it’s lessons speak volumes.
Those are only a few of the lessons this magnificent story speaks on and although all scriptures are valuable for instructing and teaching I’ll be writing about one lesson in particular today. We’ll be discussing how God used Esther in a mighty way and why it is so important for many of us today.
There Once Was a Time When…
Esther was a young beautiful woman who was Queen to King Xerxes. She was pleasing to him and he was very much in love with her. After they were married for a little while there came a time of persecution against the Jews of the kingdom due to the scheming of the King’s most powerful official Haman. He persuaded the King to grant him permission to have all Jews in the kingdom killed. The King agreed to this not knowing that his own wife Queen Esther was a Jew.
Mordecai, the man who raised her as his own daughter, pleads with her to go to Xerxes and ask him to spare their lives. To go before the King without being summoned first was an offense punishable by death and even though she was the Queen it was forbidden. At first she refuses because she fears for her life. Then Mordecai responds…
His response gives her the courage she needs. She asks her people for prayer and she goes before the King to plead for her life and the lives of her people. Long story short, her pleas are answered and Haman (the evil official) pays with his own life. It’s a powerful deliverance and there are holidays that commemorate this day that are celebrated within Israel to this day.
How Do You Relate to Esther?
Fast forward to today and you may be wondering how this relates to you and I. Could it be that God has a calling on each of our lives as believers? He places us in the perfect place at the perfect time with every skill that we need to do His will. Like Esther, we get fearful of what the outcome might be. We end up either stepping out and taking a risk or we stay put and the purpose that we are called to dies before our very eyes. It’s a chance for us that is lost, but nothing can stop God’s will from being done. He will simply send someone else to step into the calling you couldn’t commit to.
Esther was Queen which meant she held a title that gave her influence. She had influence over a King and was able to save lives by her willingness to step into that calling. Each one of us has a sphere of influence and the capabilities of reaching people that no one else can. Who is in your sphere? Perhaps you are called to write as well. Have you stepped up to serve in a ministry at church? Are you supposed to be telling people about your faith instead of keeping it hidden? I’m willing to bet you that there are lives at stake here. Are there family members who need to know the love of Jesus? Maybe there are co-workers around you that have been tugging at your heartstrings.
Who is in your sphere of influence? There is someone who needs to hear God's truth today. Share on X
It IS Your Time
Whatever the case may be please know that God has called you for such a time as this. That means that it can’t be put off any longer. You may lose your chance and lives may be lost. If it has been Jesus calling you to salvation and you’ve been putting it off, it may just be your own life that is on the line.
Dearest brother or sister, don’t let time pass you by.
Listen to the call of the Holy Spirit and step into His will for your life. Those talents you have were given to you so that you may glorify God. You were given a heart that empathizes with the hurting and a voice that can speak life into a situation. We were fearfully and wonderfully made for a time such as this.
Hi Natalie, thank you for sharing! I absolutely believe what you say about G-d putting someone else in our place for not carrying out what He sent us to do is right. He gives us a dream, idea, etc. and if we don't step out on faith in it He will raise up somebody that will. Thank you for this reminder. The reason I write is to make an impact on my circle of influence. As you stated in your blog, there are people that only I can reach and I am honored to be able to do so 🙂 Again, thanks for sharing.
All glory be to God Rosie! I'm grateful that you stopped in and I look forward to seeing more of you. God bless you!
All I can say is awesome! Well said,Natalie! Praise God!
God is good Julia! I appreciate you 🙂
Thanks for sharing! Needed the reminder and the encouragement you gave!
To know that you are encouraged in turn encourages me. Thank you for stopping by Melissa and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it!
Beautiful! Funny – I'm thinking about what to lay down and what to pick up, these days – because we are created for such a time as this. Thank you so much for sharing!
Awesome to hear Ellen. It takes some soul-searching and faith but I'm sure the Holy Spirit will give you the wisdom you need to make the correct decisions. Be blessed!
This is beautiful! And so true! God has a plan and purpose for us – and has placed us here and now purposefully. Life may seem scary – out of our hands – desperately bleak – confusing. But seek the Lord! Ask for His guidance! Listen to those who give you godly advice – and trust in the Lord with all your heart. **I'm your newest subscriber, too!** 🙂
I'm so blessed by your presence Rebecca! You've made me one happy camper 🙂
You're absolutely right, trust in the Lord with all your heart!
Great post! I love the story of Esther and the lesson you draw out here. It's an important reminder of how God can use us if we trust him and are willing to step out in faith when he calls us to something.
Praise God Carly and Amen 🙂
God not only calls us to serve but gives us the courage to step out, emboldening us more and more every day. He is so wonderful!
Awesome! You are a passionate writer and should keep doing more bible
lessons type blogs. I enjoyed it very much.
Thank you Vera! I intend on doing many more scriptural posts. I love dissecting the word of God. I'm thankful that you stopped in
Amen! Well written! I need to go back read the book of Esther. It's an amazing story.
It's funny, I don't know how I missed it for so many years. Thank you Ana for blessing me with your presence!
Your words are a blessing to me today. Thanks!
Thank you Lori! All glory to God 🙂
This post is perfectly expressed. I also love the book of Esther.
Thank you kindly Jennie! That means so much coming from such a gifted writer. Many blessings to you!
I love the book of Esther! You did a wonderful job of unpacking it and inspiring others to obey God's calling on their lives. This was a great reminder to me that I have people right in my own sphere of influence that God can use me to bless, help, and encourage. 🙂
Amen Marisa! I'm so pleased that you were blessed. I try and let the fact that I'm placed in specific places at specific times sink in deep so that I'm always motivated to fulfill His call. I don't always pay attention but I'm trying to be better about it.
"We end up either stepping out and taking a risk or we stay put and the purpose that we are called to dies before our very eyes." So, so, so good! Thanks for sharing this Natalie!
Awe Heather thank you for your kind words. I'm so glad this spoke to you. God bless you!
LOVE Esther!! one of my favorite books!!
@spreadingJOY
spreading-joy.org
Isn't it powerful Marie!? So many good lessons for us! Thank you for stopping in!
Natalie,
Beautiful writing! I have to admit that I, too, have not yet read Ester in its entirety. I am beginning a new season in which God has called me to. It's a bit unfamiliar, but He has since equipped me with what I need. All I have to do now is to stay focused as during this time, the enemy does like to tempt and distract from His plan for me. So glad I stopped by your blog. Consider me a regular! =)
I'm so excited for you Jenn! New seasons are awesome! You are right about staying on course. Jesus will set us on the right path every time. I love that I'll be seeing more of you!
I so enjoyed this post Natalie! Thank you for sharing … I love the book of Esther, so glad you have now read it and can learn so much for it! 🙂
Esther is awesome and I continue to learn from it. I’m so happy that you stopped by Sam. Blessings to you!
I needed to read your words today. thank you. God bless you!
I’m so glad that my words helped you today Stacey. God bless you as well : )
This verse has been inspiring me for a few years now. It has been tremendously encouraging as I have repeatedly had to step into unchartered territory. Well spoken, thank you!
God bless you Christa! Amen for being obedient in your calling and stepping out in faith. We are here for such a time as this!
Natalie, thank you for this post! Courage in the darkest of days is something we all need. Very beautifully written.
You’re very welcome Christy. Sometimes I need this post just as much as anyone else. I need to be reminded that there isn’t another person out there like me. I was made for such a time as this.
your blog post has been so motivational for me! I love everything about this blog!
I’ve just started one and would love it if you would check it out.
lilyamongthorns.blog
That’s amazing Portia! Congrats on stepping out in faith! I’m on my way to pay you a visit now : )
Love that book! And that quote is one of my favorites (Who knows? Maybe you born for such a time as this).
Oh my goodness! One of my all time favorites too! Thank you so much for stopping in Ashley!
Amen ! For such a time as this !!! We cannot let the urgency of our call pass by if the message is to “ do it now “ from the Lord !
Love you Natalie !!
You are anointed and called to be an encouragement
You are such a breath of fresh air Diana and I cherish our friendship!! Love you too!
Great reminder….thank you for this!😁🙏🏻
So happy that this spoke to you Linda! Thank you for stopping in.