yet we must act! It is difficult for us to understand sometimes how both can be true, yet they are. It is just like the story of Esther where God positions her in a place to be able to set her people (the Jews) free. At one point her uncle, Mordecai, comes to her and says, "14 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?”
15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die. (Esther 4: 14-16)”
Esther had to act in order to be obedient to what God wanted her to do. In those times, if you approached the King, without him calling upon you, you could be sentenced to death. Esther risked her life to save her people and because of her faith in God [her faith that he would save her], He honored her by not only saving her people, but also by crowning her queen.
I think there are times in all of our lives where we come into situations that we would rather avoid instead of confront. It is in those times that we need to ask ourselves, "has God put me in this place, for such a time as this?" It could be situations in which we must face a hostile audience, confront a friend on a delicate subject, or even talk to family about changes that need to be made. It is in those moments, that you can choose to either obey God or run from Him. I have found in my life...that when God impressed upon me to do something and I haven't done it, He always finds a replacement to do what I never did. Those moments in your life, whether or not you know it at the time, can be the defining moments that God wants to use you to shine His light. It can be those moments in which could mean life or death to someone and you may not ever know it.
A friend of ours shared a story with us that really touched my heart. She spoke of her sister (lets call her Judy) who had passed away and how at her funeral a lady (lets call her Sue) told of how Judy had "saved" her life. Judy was part of a group that helped people with addictions. One night Judy stayed afterwards to welcome a newcomer (Sue) to the group. She spent time talking with her and asking about her situation, etc. Well Sue told how because Judy took time out to talk with her and get to know her...that she decided NOT to kill herself. It seems to me in those "defining" moments in life...we can be a light to those around us.
Remember today to take time to risk yourself, put yourself out there...especially in the difficult moments that you dread. Take action, step out in faith and be confident like Esther. Allow her inspiration to take you to a new level of obedience and faith! And always remember that God is in control and he may have place you where you are "for just such a time as this!"
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