FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
Stacy Spangler | Not for sale
Original Mixed Media on Canvas; Esther 4:12-17
Esther was given information from Mordecai that the Jewish people were going to be killed, and their only hope was for her to go to the king and share the information she had, but doing so would put her own life at risk. Esther was in a position to make a difference since she was in the running to become queen. Since Esther was also Jewish, if she did not help, she would surely perish. God used Esther, in all her wisdom and bravery, not only to expose an evil plan and deceptive people, but to save the Jewish people, preserve the line of David, as well as her own life.
In today's culture, God’s truth is under attack, and like Esther, we face persecution when we stand firm and rise up to speak truth to those around us. Speaking truth may result in being excluded from social groups, loss of friendships or other close relationships, and being labeled as an extremist, Bible beater, or conspiracy theorist. Esther could have kept quiet, continued her pampered lifestyle as queen, ignoring the impending disaster, and prayed someone else would take action or that God would intervene and save her and her people.
Do we live this way, using “don’t rock the boat” as our motto? Esther knew and trusted her God. She had wise counsel, and believed in the power of prayer. She stepped out boldly in faith, risking all her luxuries and position, to save a nation. In Genesis 2:18, God says women are created as “helper”. The Hebrew word used for helper is “Ezer Kenegdo” and is often used in a military sense, a strong warrior complimentary to man. Esther was a helper to a nation, fighting behind the scenes for her God. As women, we need to follow Esther’s brave lead to “fight” wisely, know God, His Word, fast, pray, and use our gentle nature to speak Truth into the lives of others. Like Esther, we too are called by God to fight in a spiritual battle for a “time such as this.”