A time like this

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“And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14c)

Queen Esther has learned of the plot to have all the Jews killed and knows that she must act. She is concerned about her life, however. If she approaches the king without him sending for her she could be killed. Here is a clear case of “Lord, Your will, not mine.”

With Mordecai’s faithfulness for encouragement, she steps out in faith. She is received by the king, the plot is exposed, and judgment comes to Haman and the evil ones. Esther’s faithfulness and courage is an example of how all of us may at some time be called to step out in faith for the good of others, to fulfill God’s will.

It is doubtful that any of us will be called to save a whole religious group like Esther did. Yet, each day we are called to stand in faithfulness, in a society that could desire to pull us down.

For us to walk each day takes faithfulness and courage. We are tempted to compromise our faith and ridiculed. We can be persecuted in a multitude of ways and fear can try to stop us from responding. Will we remain faithful to our Lord? Will we, as His people, continue to lift Him up for the world to see? Will we speak boldly of our God’s love through Jesus in a hostile world?

Heavenly Father, help us, embolden us to put our lives on the line for You. Like Esther, we desire to do Your will, not ours. May that always be so, by the power of Your Spirit working within us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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By Pastor Robert Forsberg

Pastor Robert Forsberg is the former pastor of Light of Christ Lutheran Church in Fairborn and guest columnist.

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