For such a time as This

Esther 4:13-17

13 he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

17 So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther's instructions.

Reflection of Tommy:

There are basically two extremes in the way we respond to a situation. First, we may do absolutely nothing, withdrawing from the problem or even waiting for God to intervene and fix everything for us. The other extreme is we feel we are responsible to fix and do everything ourselves; taking on the role of God unconsciously!

The right way is found in the way Mordecai and Esther have responded in their situation. They saw that God had placed them in their positions at exactly the right time for a specific purpose (v14); and they seized the moment and acted with courage and trust in God’s direction. God chooses to work His will through those willing to act for Him. So, we should pray by thinking all depended on God and act as if all depended on us.

Dear Father, thank You for teaching me to turn to fellow believers for support during difficult times. Instead of withdrawing, lead me to act when You’ve given me the direction through my prayers. Guide me always to act selflessly, giving strength and encouragement with one another through prayers, sharing and fellowship. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.