Time With Purpose
The history of Queen Esther is recorded in the Old Testament of
the Bible. She was born a simple Jewish girl, faithful to God and family. Her
parents died while she was still young so her cousin, Mordecai, adopted her and
raised her as his daughter.
During that time in history, the Jews had been exiled from
Jerusalem. They found themselves integrated into a community under the reign of
King Xerxes in the area of Susa. It happened that Mordecai reported an
assassination plot against the king and so earned favor with Xerxes.
It was also around then that the king unseated his wife and queen
for embarrassing him. So he looked for a new queen. Searching for a beautiful
replacement, several women in the area were chosen to ‘apply’ for the
job. Enter Esther! After meeting the requirements and being accepted by
the king (short version), her influence saved the Jews from being destroyed by
an evil man and his plot.
Esther 4:14 reveals Mordecai’s encouragement to deal with an evil
plot. It gave purpose and incentive for her placement and role as queen. If she
chose not to intervene, there would be devastating consequences, and all Jews
would be murdered.
If you stay silent during this time,
deliverance for the Jews will come from somewhere, but you, my
child, and all of your father’s family will die. And who knows? Perhaps
you have been made queen for such a time as this. Esther 4:14 (Voice)
I wonder if she might have had the message Joshua received from
the Lord ringing in her heart and mind!
Be strong and courageous! Do not be
terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (AMP)
As we enter the new year of 2024, where do you find yourself in
life? Tjoshua’s promise is true for us as well - the Lord our God is with us
wherever we go. Have you been separated from family or friends, lost loved
ones, are ill, or moved by unexpected circumstances to a new and uncomfortable
home or job? Do you sense God’s purpose for your role and position? The
challenge in each of our lives demands courage and faithfulness to what God has
given to us or allowed for us. Perhaps you have been made _____ for such
a time as this.
By Joy Pedersen
