You Are Here for Such a Time as This

I can’t even imagine the thought of a group of people wanting to totally annihilate another group of people. And yet this was a story of Esther. She was a young queen when she came into office. Quiet, submissive, and beautiful. And her God had put her in the perfect place at the right time to save a nation. This young queen demonstrated so much courage in standing strong for her people. Often courage rises up from within when faced with a conflict or conviction.

If you’re not familiar with the story of Queen Esther, I highly recommend you read it, for it is a story of great courage and faith. To start off with, there was a King, a Queen, and an evil villain named Haman. (Some scholars say Haman was responsible for having the prophet Daniel killed.) Haman hated the Jews. Mostly because of pride and arrogance, because of an encounter with Esther’s cousin Mordecai. Mordecai would not comply or submit to Haman’s unrealistic laws. He stood strong for his God and his convictions. Without the King’s knowledge, Haman devised a plan to completely wipe out the Jews and have them all killed. Esther’s cousin Mordecai got wind of the strategy and alerted her of his evil scheme.

It was God’s perfect plan to use Esther in the role of Queen to save His people. Esther had the courage to call the nation to a corporate fast while at the same time creating a strategy to approach the king, which was unthinkable at that time. She believed that God knows the times and seasons and that we are often put in a place of leadership or decision-making for such a time as needed. Esther’s courage was strong. Her voice was subtle yet strategic. Her courage was not something she relied on alone. But from the hand of her God. The truth is that we know some people are more courageous than others, but the courage to stand for a deep conviction can only come from God.

When we ask God for wisdom and insight, He paves a plan no man can destroy. Haman was no competition for the God of Israel. Queen Esther was given a strategy from the hand of God, and the King would soon see the evil devices of his commander, Haman.

As we all can agree, we know we are living in uncertain times. I do not remember a time in my life when there has been more pushback and anger against Christians and the local church. More than ever, I believe we must be courageous and stand up for our faith and biblical rights as a nation. In Proverbs 28:1, the scripture says: The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.

And it is time that we all rise up and begin to walk in courage. Much like Esther, our nation is also being attacked against the ways of Yahweh God. We can no longer bury our heads in the sand and say there’s nothing I can do. We no longer have the option to be silent. America is being targeted against the ways of God. From Broadway to Hollywood, Satan is attacking. Through media, arts, and entertainment, our schools, our politicians, and yes, even our churches. Where are the bold lions? The courageous? Where are those who are ready to change? Those that are willing to be educated and become a voice for “Such a time as this.” Esther’s courage would not only save her life and the lives of all Jews, but her cousin Mordecai would receive promotion and wealth from the very hand of the King.

To read more from Tammy Hotsenpiller’s Fasting For a Change, visit MyCharismaShop.com