Every PlaceSample

Use your influence

Esther 4.14 - ‘For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Esther was put in a position not by choice but by appointment. She was set in place and destined to be in the palace in front of the king at just the right time, as his wife. However, let’s not forget, Esther was Queen number two, another had been in place before her. The king’s previous relationship had not gone so well, and he had his first wife put to death. No pressure!

Esther was brought out of obscurity and perfectly positioned as part of God’s plan for His people. She was put in the most intimate place, with access to the King, in order to stand in the gap for her nation.

Have you ever found yourself in a position and not known why you were there? Have you found doors of opportunity and specific projects open up just for you, and just in time? Have you found yourself led to be part of a church, organisation or location but you don’t know why you’re there? And yet, you sense something. God places us in rooms the world would say we have no business being in. Esther didn’t know she would have to risk her life to save her nation the day she stepped into the king’s palace. But that’s what she did.

When you don’t know why you’re in the position you’re in, don’t worry. Ask God to reveal it to you. These days we think of influencers as social media stars with millions of followers, telling us what to buy, where to fly to on holiday, or how to grow our audience. But Esther’s influence was hidden until an appointed time and had nothing to do with being famous or gaining fans or followers.

Our influence is hidden in Christ. It comes out as we step in and occupy those spaces God has called us into. Esther’s influence was hidden. No one knew what she carried. The king didn’t know she was Jewish. She didn’t tell anyone. Yet, the King showed her favour. There was no parade held in her honour for what she did for her nation. No award or reward given.

Who do you have access to? Maybe you have favour with a boss or a leader. Ask God for favour with those he has positioned around you. Ask him to open doors that need opening and close the ones that need closing.

Sometimes God asks us to do the preparation. Esther was prepared for 12 months with beauty treatments before she was presented before the king. Esther herself prepared a banquet for the king before appearing before him, and presented her requests to him. Esther’s influence was hidden until an appropriate time, and then her requests were granted.

What can you do to prepare for the positions you desire or that God has promised to give.

Many churches provide marriage preparation courses, organisations will send staff for training before they start work. If you want to start a business, what preparation have you done in order to present your service, skill or product well. What are you investing in now for what the Lord has positioned you for?

Action points

1. Find a mentor: Mordecai, Esther’s cousin who said the words in Esther 4:14, took on a kind of mentor role for her and helped to prepare Esther for the palace. When she became positioned she called on him again for support in prayer and fasting. Mordecai was outside of the palace and therefore saw things from a different perspective. He saw Esther’s position of influence more than she did, and he spoke into that. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

2. Attend Stronger Conference this year and ask God to sharpen the skills you have for his Kingdom. For are also here and part of the Kingdom ‘for such a time as this.’

Payer point

Father God thank you for Esther’s example of hidden and strategic influence. God you place us in rooms, organisations, families and churches for such a time as this. May I align with your timing and your leading and guidance. Father God, I pray for favour like Esther, and godly influence to shine my light for your kingdom for such a time as you have appointed. May I go forth boldly in all you have for me at this time. In Jesus name. Amen.