Scripture: Esther 4:12-14
When Hathach told Mordecai what Esther had said, Mordecai sent her this message: “Don’t think that just because you live in the king’s house you’re the one Jew who will get out of this alive. If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.” (The Message)

Reflection: For Such a Time
By Jada Swanson

There are times in one’s life when following God’s plan for our lives does not really make sense to those closest to us and, perhaps, not even to us. Even still, God calls us to obedience during the dark and the daring moments of our lives. In his word, he has promised never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

In this passage, Esther finds herself facing a most important crossroads, which necessitates a response of faith, even at great personal risk. In each of our lives, there are times when God Almighty calls us to boldly speak out for and act on behalf of those who are marginalized and disenfranchised, the voiceless, and the invisible. Embracing his promptings as an act of obedience, even when it comes at great personal cost. This is leadership.

John Wesley states, “We should every one of us consider, for what end God has put in the place where we are? And when an opportunity offers of serving God and our generation, we must take care not to let it slip” (Notes, 4:14).

Leadership comes in many ways and takes on many forms. At its very core, leadership is influence. Although we may not hold positional roles of leadership, we all have very specific influential roles of leadership in our everyday lives. Have you taken notice of where they are? And with whom? Pray for God to reveal these opportunities to you. Pray for boldness and courage to step forward and speak out, to be of service to the Lord and His people.

God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives. And in God’s view of time, there are no coincidences. As such, it was no coincidence that Esther, a Jew, was selected as queen. Neither is it a coincidence where we find ourselves at this very moment and on this very day. Be observant of those around you, of situations and circumstances. Take notice of how you may be the one appointed to take action, in seemingly small or significant ways. As God’s children, we know that he will accomplish his purposes and plans for this world. The beauty is that he invites us to take part…for such a time as this!

Song: Born for This by Mandisa

The Request for Presence
I call with my whole heart; answer me, O Lord, that I may keep your statues. — Psalm 119.145

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Full prayer available online and in print.

Today’s Readings
Esther 3 (Listen – 3:12)
Acts 26 (Listen – 5:17)

This Weekend’s Readings
Esther 4 (Listen – 2:53) Acts 27 (Listen – 6:09)
Esther 5 (Listen – 2:42) Acts 28 (Listen – 4:56)