For Such a Time as This

I was reading in the book of Esther this morning when a passage caught my attention.

Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” ~ Esther 4:13-14

A little background: Mordecai's life was in danger. He and other Jews, including Esther, were being targeted by an enemy close to King Xerxes. (Mordecai adopted Esther after her parents died. Esther had not told anyone of her nationality under the advisement of Mordecai. Esther did not have access to the King unless she was summoned--which wasn't very often.) Mordecai sent word to Esther of the plot against the Jews and pleaded for her help to ask King Xerxes to intervene. Against protocol, Esther did go to the King and told him of the plot, which helped her people.

The phrase that really jumped out at me was, "Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?"

Have you ever felt that your position in life was insignificant or unimportant? I have. It's just a job. He's more talented than me. They are more important than me so what can I do? I can't influence anyone. Those are just a few of the thoughts that come to mind. I'm sure the list could go on and on.

While I was writing this post, I stopped to do something else and decided to do a little more reading for inspiration. I've been reading the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan and picked up where I left off. A few pages into reading, I see the following quote which fits perfectly with this topic:

Have you ever said, "I was made for this moment"? Do you believe you were crafted for specific good works, things that God knew before you even existed? Or do you compare your life to others and lament what you have been given? We have a God who is a Creator, not a duplicator."

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Each of us has been created for "such a time as this." I was "made for this moment." Even when we (I) feel insignificant, God has a plan and we (I) should always be looking for how He wants to use us (me). I may never help save an entire nation of people like Esther, but I can encourage a friend, I can be an example, I can meet someone's need. A small thing can have a big impact. We've all been given different gifts and God will use them if we listen to Him and obey.

Random? Coincidence? No. I am here for a reason.

I have been placed in this moment of time by God, for His purpose, for...

Such a time as this.