By Sis. Shirley Tarpley
“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 a royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14-15.
The Bible tells the story of Esther, a Jewish orphan living in the land of Persia after her people were taken into captivity from Jerusalem.
Raised by her cousin Mordecai, she lived during the time of King Xerxes who reigned over Persia that stretched from India to Ethiopia.
A proclamation was sent out to bring all the virgins to the king’s palace from the surrounding regions to replace Queen Vashti who found disfavor with the king and was deposed.
Esther was one of the young women taken and was ultimately selected to be the next queen.
Mordecai had a high ranking position in the government that allowed him to learn of a plot by Haman, an official of the king, to kill all of the Jews.
Now, the only way this order would not be carried out was if Esther asked for an audience with the king to request that the plot be abandoned on her behalf.
However, to request an audience before the king was a serious matter. If he refused to give her audience, the penalty was immediate death. It was at this time that Esther made her famous statement, “If I die, I die.”
Esther realized this could be the reason God created her – to save her people from destruction.
However, out of concern for Esther, Mordecai explained the situation to her, “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.”
Mordecai was giving her a choice. Either she will be used by God or someone else will be used to save their people.
Everyday you and I are given a choice. Are we willing to be the person God uses to impact the future destiny of a people? Many of us are silent Christians simply letting the status quo reign while we sit quietly by watching.
Who knows that you were created for such a time as this to be a catalyst to stand in the gap for some situation in your workplace, community or nation?
Be faithful to your calling.
Remember, “I can do ALL things through CHRIST who strengthens me.”
Thank God for your strength and protection. Thank Him for your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Whenever that old devil comes at you with temptations, remind him that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you and has saved you.
Because of that, you can rebuke Satan by standing on the Scripture and leaning on Jesus for your help. He was the perfect example of this as He countered Satan’s temptations with Scripture.
Open your eyes, ears and heart to God’s Word and His prompting. Thank God always in the name of Jesus for His help.
