ARE YOU CALLED FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

     

     Are you feeling unsettled?  Are you searching for meaning? Throughout history, extreme conditions have led ordinary people out of obscurity and into great purpose. A purpose not born of self promotion or desire, instead a prominence born of duty and faith.  

       In the book of Esther, we find a woman whom history would have ignored if not for her courage to answer the call of duty in a time of crisis.  

        You may be familiar with the story of Queen Esther, she was a Jewish woman (most likely a teenage girl) who was chosen, by the godless king of the Persian empire, as the replacement for his rebellious wife.  Shortly after Esther's appointment, a plot to eradicate the Jews from the empire was launched by a pompous government official named Haman. Mordecai, Esther's uncle, discovered the plot and implored Esther to intercede on behalf of her people. Up to this point, Esther had not revealed her heritage and was afraid to approach the king.  Mordecai's words may be among the most important aspects of this account: 

Esther 4:14 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 your royal position for such a time as this?”

      Mordecai knew the promises of God would not allow the Jewish people to be eliminated.  Mordecai knew God would bring deliverance for His people, furthermore, Mordecai was convinced deliverance would come through the intervention of his niece, who was elevated to the position of Queen for this very purpose.

     Today, we are facing a crisis none could have predicted.  What is God speaking to your heart right now? Do you have a special talent or ability for such a time as this?  Are you being prompted by God to step out and do something different, for such a time as this? 

     Peter stepped out of the boat into tumultuous conditions.  David stepped onto the world stage, out of obscurity, only when a monster threatened God's people.  Gideon, a virtual nobody, stepped up and delivered his people from enemy hordes.  

     Are you sensing God's call to step out in faith for such a time as this?  

      Queen Esther did not just jump and run, she spent a good deal of time in prayer and she enlisted the prayers of others.  What is the burden God is laying on your heart? Does it seem too big to accomplish on your own?  It probably is, however, this is when the true meaning of Philippians 4:13 comes into play:

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

     If God is calling you to do something, He will provide you with all the resources, strength and personnel you will need to accomplish His purpose. 

    Make no mistake, God does not need you, He does want you however.  As Mordecai stated, God will accomplish His purpose, with or without you. Yes but, at what cost to you?  Are you willing to sacrifice peace and purpose on the altars of fear or sloth?

   The Revolutionary, Thomas Paine, said, "these are the times that try men's souls."  Is God trying your soul today? Extraordinary times call for ordinary people who are willing to allow God to do extraordinary things through them.  Are you up for the calling? Are you ready to step up and out?  Are you ready to be used by God for such a time as this?

    Now is the time and here is the place for you to put your faith into action and allow God to use you for such a time as this.

Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!