For Such a Time As This

Queen Esther...

She didn't start out as a queen. In fact, her path to the throne was unlikely. But God...

I recently felt a nudge to re-read the story of Esther. I've always loved it.

As I re-read the book of Esther, I tried to read it with "new eyes," trying to imagine myself in her shoes.

Chosen, not by chance, to be in the running to be the new queen, God's favor was all over her. From the onset, God highlighted her and equipped her for what was to come. She didn't shrink back, but excelled. I can't imagine going through that process of preparation, and everything that was at stake. She did her part, for sure, but God positioned her!

And then as the story progressed, I was reminded of what courage she showed. Knowing full well that she was putting her life in jeopardy, after fasting and praying (and asking others to do the same), she approached the king uninvited.

She had a God-given purpose and a plan, and probably with everything inside of her trembling, she boldly stepped into what God called her to do. Can you imagine?

Of course, because it was God's plan and not her own, He used her obedience, courage, and boldness to demolish evil's plan and to save a whole nation. I bet in her queen's chambers after all that took place, she probably sat on the edge of her bed just shaking her head in awe of everything that transpired and praising God for His might, power, and provision.

Esther 4:14 is often quoted, and I love the rich history of this verse. Mordecai (Esther's cousin who raised her), was urging her to speak to the king in hopes of bringing to light Haman's evil plan, and he ends the conversation by saying, "Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this."

You know, we serve a God who does nothing by happenstance. From creating the world, to creating each of us, to the affairs of the universe, everything He does is with the utmost intention. It's not His nature to just fling things into the universe hoping for the best. When He created you, He lovingly formed you in your mother's womb, and with that He ordered your steps. Every. Single. One.

So lest you feel (or have been told) that you were an accident, a mistake, not the right gender, or an inconvenience, I want to reassure you that none of those things are even remotely true. God designed you with plans and purposes unique to you and you alone!

No matter what we "feel" or what we have been told, if it doesn't line up with God's Word, it is not truth and must be rejected. That can be hard to do if we've had a long-running negative narrative in our minds. After hearing the same thing over and over, it can "feel" like truth.

But the loudest voice isn't always the right one.

God speaks at times in a still small voice, and we just have to tune into His voice instead of the others that are not speaking truth. Sometimes it's hard to change the narrative, but God will help us if we ask Him to renew our minds. He's in the business of breaking bondage and setting the captives free.

I don't know if anything I said resonates with you today, but I want to encourage you to take a second look at your life and circumstances through God's eyes. Ask Him to show you what you were created for and how you can step into obedience to accomplish those things. He's not asking you to do them all on your own. He just needs your "yes."

And if you feel like you want help uncovering the lies and moving into true freedom, we'd love to help!

Blessings to you!

Joy

P.S. One Night with the King is free to watch on Amazon Prime!