Devotion: Esther 4:14

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?”

We begin our month exploring purpose with one of my favorite verses. Queen Esther’s story is an inspiring one, if you have never read it – very much recommended! Her story happens during the time of the Persian monarchy when once again, the Israelites are under persecution and at risk of annihilation.

It is then we see God’s hand at work. Esther, a young Jewish woman, finds herself in the position of queen of Persia. Thanks to her family member, Mordecai, she is told of a plot underway that will lead to the destruction of the Jewish race. Today’s verse shows us his words as he encourages Queen Esther to step out in faith of God’s protection to intervene on behalf of her people. If she remained silent, she would see her family perish.

I find it interesting that Mordecai doesn’t think their people will perish, regardless of the horrible plot set in motion to destroy them. He says if she remains silent then deliverance would come from another source. He had absolute faith that their people would be rescued, whether through Esther or another. He demonstrates amazingly strong faith in God to protect His chosen people, faith I doubt I would have felt had I been in his position.

And then we have the famous quote that is often used for people who find themselves in positions of authority or who face tasks that might be particularly difficult or dangerous  – who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?

Esther was in her position as a Queen because God put her there. He placed her in a role where she could serve His purposes and she would discover her own purpose for her life. She stepped forward, did not remain silent, and her people were saved.

You are exactly where God wants you to be. You may not see His hand at work, but trust that it is. Your purpose may not be revealed to you yet, but know that you have a purpose and God is orchestrating events that guide you toward that end. Trust Him, seek His ways, and know that you will find yourself exactly where you need to be, doing exactly what you need to be doing.

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