Monday, June 7, 2010

Esther 4:14

Hello Ladies!

Let me encourage you to read the book of Esther today. It is a short book in the Bible that packs a lot of power. My favorite verse from Esther comes from Chapter 4:14; “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Background: Esther was a Jewish girl whose life changed in an instant. She becomes the queen of Persia by winning a so called “beauty contest”.

Haman, one of the King’s men hates Jews. He wants to kill and destroy them. With the King’s permission, Haman sends a decree that all Jews are to be killed. This decree stated Jews, both young and old, little children, and women, in one day were to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. (Esther 3:13)

Meanwhile, Esther, after keeping her family a secret from the King,  makes a bold decision to reveal her family heritage and plead for the King to stop Haman.

Her boldness comes from the Lord. Her cousin (who raised her) says to Esther during this difficult time “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

I love this verse. We all suffer trials and heartache; fear and conflict. Just because we are Christians, we are not guaranteed a life free from torment. Whatever it we are going through, it is for a reason.

Among fear for her people, her cousin and herself, she makes a bold choice to save her people. With the possibility of “what could happen” playing in her mind- her cousin sends her this message for encouragement.

How can our lives relate to Esther? How can our circumstances change for the better? How can we see that maybe where we are at during trials may just be because we came to this place for “Such a time as this?” A time to make a bold choice!

Share your thoughts with me in the comments section below.

3 comments:

  1. I LOVE this verse... it's one of my faves.

    I know God has divinely appointed us in our sphere of influence for such a time as this because of what He has done in my life. He places us where we are for a purpose. All of us girls (me included) need to grasp that truth better. I think more would be accomplished for Him if we understood this better. We would live bolder, more fruitful lives.

    That's just my two cents though... :)

    Karen

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  2. I have been thinking about this post since I read it yesterday. God has reasons for everything we are to endure and we don't know the reasons. Sometimes we never learn the reasons, but it is all used for His purpose and His glory. If only we could keep this in our minds and know that God uses everyone, perhaps we would be more open to listening for His voice and following those nudges we feel, but often doubt.
    Thanks for the food for thought.

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  3. Bold choices can be tough! I am making the BOLD choice to leave full time for part-time next year. Oh, my head and a calculator say this will be hard, but I feel a peace that it is right so...here I go, attempting to be bold.

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