For Such a Time as This

By Danny Saavedra

“When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: ‘Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 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 4:12–14 (NIV)

And here we come to it ... the most popular verse in the Book of Esther. If you’ve been a believer for some time, chances are you’ve either said these words or had them said to you: “God has you there for such a time as this.” But I actually find the words that precede this verse to be the most powerful in the passage.

To recap: Haman hatches a scheme to commit genocide against the Jews. When Queen Esther is informed of the situation, by her cousin Mordecai who raised her, she clearly becomes fearful and responds to Mordecai by basically saying, “There’s nothing I can do. If I try to fix it, I’ll likely be put to death.”

Did Esther think she could escape the fate of her people because it wasn’t yet known by the king or Haman that she was Jewish? Maybe. Is it possible she was too afraid to act because it was riskier than staying out of it? Perhaps. If this was Esther’s mindset in this moment, does this make Esther a coward or faithless? Not at all! In fact, it makes her just like you and me.

Let’s be honest ... we’ve all had moments like this: We’re presented with a crisis of conscience where to give in or to stay silent is easier and seemingly safer, we’re presented with an opportunity to evangelize and share the gospel with someone, we find ourselves in a really hard situation or circumstance. Esther’s response is natural and as human as it gets, and none of us would have reacted differently.

Now look at Mordecai’s response: “If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place.” It reminds me of Jesus telling the Pharisees when people were basically proclaiming Him the Messiah, “I tell you ... if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40 NIV).

The point in all this? Essentially, Mordecai is telling Esther that if she remains silent, God will still make a way because He’s faithful and His plans and purposes can never be thwarted by either man’s wicked schemes or man’s inability to act. God’s will and work will always come to pass, with or without us. BUT it doesn’t have to be this way! Why? Because God desires to use us and include us in His purposes and plans for the redemption and salvation of many. We can be participants in His incredible work. All we need to do is trust Him and take the steps of obedience, because “who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Who knows if you’ve come to the situation you’re in for such a time as this? Maybe it’s for the salvation of millions of people or just one person. Maybe it’s for revival, redemption, or restoring broken relationships. Maybe it’s for healing or relief or even simply for your sanctification! Whatever it is, you can be certain that if He has a work to do, He’ll do it with or without you. But He wants you to be part of it because you’ll be blessed, ministered to, and changed by it as well. Wherever He has you, just like Esther, you can trust and walk in obedience and faith because His will is ALWAYS for your good and His glory.

Pause: How do you relate to Esther’s reaction to the news? How do Mordecai’s words to his cousin resonate with you?

Practice: Are you in a situation like Esther? Has God brought you to a “such a time as this” moment? If so, you don’t have to walk through it alone. Reach out to a trusted friend or mentor who can pray for you. Connect with a community group that can hold your arms up and support you!

Pray: Dear Lord, I’m grateful for every situation You’ve ordained for me to experience. They aren’t always easy; they sometimes hurt. But I know You’re working and moving and drawing people to salvation in it and in everything You do. Your will is perfect and always for my good and Your glory, and I glorify Your Name as I reflect on this truth. Help me, Father, as I walk through the many facets of this life and all its circumstances and situations, to remember that Your deliverance will always come for those who love You, that You’re always with those who love You, that if You bring me to a moment, Your Spirit will give me all I need to trust You and walk in obedience and boldness and in the power of Jesus’ name. And I ask that You’ll surround me with people like Mordecai to keep me accountable. Amen.