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If you’re familiar with the story of Esther, you may recall that she became queen at a time when her people (the Jews) were under threat of annihilation. Haman, the king’s highest official, was trying to convince the king to execute these people, and their only hope was in Queen Esther. Esther had to approach the king unsummoned, risking her life to plead their case. But her uncle reminded her that perhaps her position as queen came about “for such a time as this.”
The application, as I’ve often heard it, is that God may lead us into challenging situations because, like Esther, He has something for us to do in that situation. While this is true, I’ve recently realized something more.
For Such a Time as This
I’ve often looked at the phrase “for such a time as this” and thought we ought to prepare for that time. To be ready for that situation to arise, or for God to lead us into that challenge. But by looking at it that way, I’m viewing that time as yet to come. Sometime in the future. Maybe one day.
But it says “for such a time as this.” Present tense. Right where we are.
Where has God led me today? Am I using the situations, challenges, and opportunities before me to share the Good News? Am I telling others about Christ’s sacrifice? Is God receiving glory through my circumstances — or despite them?
The Time is Now
We recently lost my nephew in a horrible car accident. He was only 18. He had his whole life before him — yet the time he had here on earth was over before we were ready. If I spend my time looking down the road, waiting for things to come later, I miss what’s right in front of me.
I don’t know how much time I have left. Rather than waiting for some unknown situation to arise in which God can use me in mighty ways, I need to look at right here, right now. What is it He’s calling me to do now? Today? Because we are here for such a time as this.
(You’ll find Esther’s story in the book of Esther, and Mordecai’s statement regarding her becoming queen for such a time as this in Esther 4:14.)
Thank you for sharing these thoughts. That phrase ‘for such a time as this’ is so meaningful. There was a Wayne Watson song about it a few years ago, and it often runs through my mind when I pray.
So sorry to hear about your nephew’s accident. I will pray for your family. It’s so hard to understand why things like that happen.
I had to look that one up. I’d forgotten about it, and I’m not sure I ever really listened to it before. Great song!! (https://youtu.be/YmYOQ8h4wsM if you haven’t heard it!) Thanks for sharing, Dianna. And thank you for the prayers. We may never understand, but we know even in this, God has a plan.