For Such a Time
For such a time as this.
We Christians love this line.
If people are honest about the situation, it's a phrase often used to humble-brag about facing difficulties or overcoming obstacles.
I don't mean to be prickly. I'm just poking some fun!
I kid. I kid.
Many people genuinely use this line to gird themselves with encouragement from God's Word. They use it as a way to feel secure as they march forward in the uncomfortable situations they face. They just might not have ever considered the full context of the story from which the phrase comes.
As I mentioned the last time we chatted, I read the book of Esther all in one sitting. And you know what? I can't seem to leave it. The Lord keeps bringing me back to all the little nuggets I highlighted, and I am enjoying the truths stored up in this tiny book.
You see, by chapter four of Esther, a lot has transpired. Esther is the new queen. Mordecai, Esther's uncle, has saved the king's life. Haman, the most elevated of the king's court, has been insulted because Mordecai won't bow before him, and this made Haman angry enough that he devised a plan to destroy all the Jews.
When Mordecai hears of the plan to kill the Jews, he tells Esther she must go before the king and plead for her people.
Her response to Mordecai is not a response of bravery or duty but one of fear and self-preservation. She tells Mordecai that she could be killed for going before the king unsolicited.
Mordecai's reply, and the location of the for such a time as this line, comes from Esther 4:14. In the ESV version, it reads like this –
For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Well, when you say it that way…
That humble brag turns to humble pie very quickly!
You see, Mordecai rebuked Esther at that moment. Yes, she was placed in the kingdom, but Mordecai wanted to remind her that God's purposes would prevail with or without her assistance. Her house may fall, but God's will, will prevail.
Many of us have been there. We are placed in a position where we can make a difference, but when God directs us, we freeze in fear.
The great thing is that our Father is so awesome that He can, and will, use anyone necessary to accomplish His will. So, we never have to feel condemnation over the impact our mistakes or hesitancies might have. His grace is sufficient, and it's all to His glory.
The exciting thing is that He wants to partner with us. He wants to use us in ways that draw people to salvation, healing, and hope.
Our response simply comes down to obedience. When life is comfortable, and we are sitting in the riches of a kingdom, will we put it all on the line for Him?
Will we seek the safety of our lifestyle over the potential discomforts and dangers of where He has called us? Lord, let it be far from us!
An amazing part of the story comes when Esther receives Mordecai's rebuke. She is wise, receives the rebuke to the enrichment of her character, and her courage is emboldened. She asks for support from her community by way of fasting, and she chooses to face the situation head-on no matter the circumstances.
What an incredible story. There are so many truths stored up here for us.
We are reminded to be humble because God doesn't need us to accomplish His will. Yet, we are lavished in His love and reminded that He wants to partner with us.
We are reminded of the power of Godly rebuke. When those rebukes are delivered via wise counsel, they can be a checkpoint for us to assess our character's maturity and growth in Christ.
We are called to be obedient no matter what it seems we might jeopardize. In obedience to that calling, we are reminded that God has surrounded us with community to assist us in what He calls us to do.
Father, You are so good! Thank you for all the ways Your Word teaches and directs us! Because, for such a time as this, we can always use a few reminders.
