On March 11, 2018, As I was writing a letter to Tria, my daughter, I had the thought of her situation as "For Such A Time as This" which in turn made me think of the story of Esther. After thinking those thoughts, the Holy Spirit said, Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu, Melekh ha'olam.
Why are you positioned where you are? Why do you work where you work? Why do you live where you live? Why do you go to school where you go to school? Why do you go to church where you go to church? You do what you do because God has assigned you there - and here – “for such a time as this.”
The challenge Esther received is found in Esther 4:14 and it may very well be the challenge that our Savior has for you at this point in your life. “Who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?” In other words, God has placed you where you are, not just to enjoy the benefits of life in America, but to build His kingdom, to help His people, to fulfill His purposes.
If you’ve ever experienced brokenness in your life – if you think you’ve been dealt a tough hand, there is a beautiful lesson here for you. If you’ve been crushed by life - if you have a troubled past that is fractured, then you can learn some unforgettable truths from Esther.
God created you for a divine appointment - a unique role to fulfill in your life - just like Esther! There is something you can do for God that no one else can do - a God-given niche only you can fill.
God issues His challenges, His teachings to us in many ways. He does it though His Word. He does it through His pastors. He does it through His church. He does it through family members or friends or bosses or co-workers or fellow students.
Listen, we are not the source of power to fulfill our divine appointment for such a time as this. God is the source! Through the Holy Spirit, God will faithfully empower us to take the actions we need to take “for such a time as this.” Every now and then, we find ourselves at a moment in time that might be called a “pivot point” in history.
Today, in America, we aren’t living with the threat of physical death. But God’s people are in distress!
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6
People are dying for the truth. That’s why we are here – to bring life where there is death!
Today, we see the threat of death to family.
We see the threat of death to morality.
We see the threat of death to eternity.
Wherever there is a people of God there are enemies of God.
You are where you are for such a time as this because God’s people are in distress!
This was the testing of Esther’s character. She was beautiful on the outside. But was she beautiful on the inside?
I believe these verses go on to teach us that she was incredibly more beautiful on the inside. I Samuel 16:7 says, “The LORD sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” What did He see when He saw Esther’s heart? What does He desire to see in your heart and in mine?
What is God looking for in your heart?
God challenges our values, doesn’t He? What is most important to you? In order for us to fulfill our divine appointment in such a time as this, we must be willing to let go of the selfishness. We’ve got to let go of our need to be in control. We’ve got to let go of our telling God when it is convenient in our schedules to serve Him. We’ve got to sacrifice our time, our talent, and our treasure.
God is looking for a sacrificial heart.
What does God see when He sees your heart?
For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. II Chronicles 16:9
“Enough of the easy life,” said Esther. “It’s time to put my life on the line. I am Jewish and I believe in the living God. I’m ready to stand up for my people. And if I perish, I perish.”
What does it matter if you get involved or not? It matters greatly because it shows what’s in your heart. Yes, it’s true that God has other ways to accomplish His objectives. He has other people He can use. He isn’t frustrated or restrained because you and I may be indifferent. But when that happens, we are the losers. When we are called “for such a time as this,” how tragic if we do not have what it takes to stand when invited.
I am only one,
I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything;
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
God’s person has been discovered! That person, I believe, is you and it’s me!
Esther had asked for prayer and fasting to prepare for the moment when the doors to the Throne Room opened and she walked through the door. She knelt as soon as she was clear of the doorway and waited for the response from the King. Would she live or would she die? When the King extended his golden scepter, he had spared her life. His response was very tender. The king listened to her pleas for her people.
The tables were turned on the man who wanted to kill Mordecai and all the Jews. The king saw him for what he was – a selfish, power-hungry, ego-maniac. He was executed on the very gallows he had built for Mordecai’s murder. Not only were the Jews allowed to live, they were permitted to defend themselves against their enemies. Esther, a Jew, remains the queen. And Mordecai, another Jew, becomes second-in-command.
Behold, God is exalted in His power…Job 36:22
O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God! Psalm 68:35
Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, For wisdom and power belong to Him. Daniel 2:20
Wicked plans have been thwarted. Corruption has been rooted out. Evil has been fully dealt with.
Are you struggling today? Caught in between a rock and a hard place? Stop, take a breath and look around. Look for the hand of God leading you and orchestrating the events around you. Who knows, but that you have been lead to right where you are, for such a time as this.
Never let the fact that God is invisible cause you to doubt the fact that God is invincible.
God’s power is on display!
Notice something. The link between God’s people in distress and God’s power on display is God’s person. Are you God’s person?
God knows everything about you and sees you as His masterpiece, and will never give up on creating you to be everything he created you to be. So, give permission to God to take control of your life. If you don’t know Jesus, He’s here. He loves you. He died to pay the penalty for your sins. He rose again. If you haven’t already, ask Jesus to come into your life right now. ~Bits and Pieces of the Sermon by Rick Duncan
Baruch Ata Adonoy Shehechianu | Jonathan and Aviva Settel
( Shabbat Shalom Prayer ) In Hebrew and English Lyrics
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, Melekh ha'olam
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe
asher kidishanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivanu
Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us
l'had'lik neir shel Shabbat. (Amein)
to light the lights of Shabbat. (Amen)
You have kept us Alive for Such a Time as This.
Jonathan Settel - Shehekianu/Shehecheyanu - Lyrics. Messianic Praise and Worship
