| “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14 |
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| Our verse to DATE the Word on April 14 (4/14) is Esther 4:14. Esther 4:14 says, “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Step UP and Step INTO your assignment as it is your TIME! I am thinking that many of you know the captivating story of Queen Esther. Most likely growing up she never dreamed of being a queen, especially being the wife of at that time the most powerful man in the world. Most likely she never dreamed that she would find herself as a great rescuer of her people. Yet Esther would become the QUEEN and yes, she would find herself being used to RESCUE her people from an evil plot to annihilate them. If you have not read the Book of Esther lately, I would tell you it is worth your time as it is very INSPIRING and a reminder that every person can make a difference for God if they will step up and step into their assignment. Our verse to DATE tells of a pivotal moment in the story and in the life of Esther. Her uncle, Mordecai, has called on Esther to use her influence with the King to put a stop to the evil plan of Haman to annihilate the Jews. You find this appeal in Esther 4:6-8. Esther, however, is hesitant as she knows the rules of the house that say you cannot just show up in the presence of the king. To show up uninvited could very well mean the king could have you put to death. She is greatly concerned as he has not asked to see her for 30 days. As Mordecai hears of her hesitation to step up and step into this moment he sends words that define reality for her. He also appeals to her about this incredible opportunity. In defining reality he tells her to not forget she herself is a Jew and her failure to act will bring about her death as well as her family. From Mordecai’s viewpoint, this is ESTHER’S moment but he is clear that if she does not step up and step into this role God will get someone else as He is going to take care of His people but Esther and her family will perish. Reality is defined! But then Mordecai appeals to her to consider the enormity of the moment. He wants her to define the reality of all that God had done that was totally so unexpected. He tells her to consider if just maybe all the doors that opened for her to be queen and enjoy life in the palace, married to the great king were for a GREATER PURPOSE. Maybe, just maybe, she was in this place in this position for this very purpose to rescue/protect God’s people. Most likely you know what does happen as Esther does step up and step into her God-given assignment. It is inspiring to read how she decided that the lives of others were more important than her own. In the end, she is able to convince her husband the king to allow God’s people to protect themselves from those who would kill them. (READ THE BOOK OF ESTHER) I would like you to consider the place and the position you find yourself in these days. What is God’s present purpose for you? It could be that you find yourself like Nehemiah. Nehemiah was in the palace as a cupbearer to the king but he realized he needed to be in Jerusalem building a wall. Nehemiah had to move so he could be where God wanted him. Worth noting that when things got really tough in getting that wall rebuilt Nehemiah pointed God’s people to GOD. Nehemiah 4:14 says, “I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” By moving he was in the right place in the right position fulfilling the right purpose. Deborah told Barak that he was at the right place in the right position with the right purpose, so he needed to rise up and get into the battle. Judges 4:14 says, “Then Deborah said to Barak, “Up! For this is the day in which the LORD has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not the LORD gone out before you?” So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men following him.” It is crucial that you are seeking to be God’s vessel for carrying out His purpose. Whether you are Esther or Nehemiah or Barak God has a plan and purpose for you. There are going to come moments throughout your life that will be moments in which are just for you to be God’s man or God’s woman to STEP INTO THE GAP! At those moments let your light shine! At those moments be an example of what is right. At those moments, speak up! You don’t have to be a pastor or a preacher to make a difference. You can do so as a doctor or a lawyer or as business person or as a teacher or as a coach or as soldier/sailor, etc. Look at your place and position as a platform to make Jesus known! Step out by faith and step into His assignment as it is your time! Verse to DATE the Word on April 14 (4/14) is Esther 4:14. It says, “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Continue Strong fulfilling His purpose for your life, And remember to DATE the Word |