For Such a Time as This

“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?” Esther 4:14

For some reason I feel like I’ve written about this before, but I cannot seem to find it. Maybe it was just something God spoke to me about. Either way I feel that quiet nudge to write what’s on my heart.

If you are not familiar with the story of Esther in the Bible allow me to give you a brief synopsis. King Xerxes was looking for a new queen. There was a search for all the beautiful women in the empire and Esther, who was young and also Jewish was one woman who was brought to the Royal place called the harem.

While this was happening her cousin, Mordecai, was a government official and Haman, the second in command of the government wanted Mordecai to bow down to him. Mordecai refused and this infuriated Haman who decided Mordecai had to die along with all of the Jews.

While this was happening Esther became queen and Haman deceived the King into declaring all the Jews should die. Remember Esther is a Jew…so this is where it gets interesting! I’ll let you read it all for yourself in the book of Esther so I’m going to basically skip ahead.

Mordecai told Esther, “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?” Esther 4:14

Esther was in a royal position as queen. So she spoke to the King asking him to save her and her people. Haman was killed and Mordecai saved along with the Jews. If Esther had stayed silent so many would have perished. She was in just the right position, at just the right time.

“For such a time as this.” We are also in a unique position right now. Not one we would have ever asked to be in. No, I never would have asked to be a sexual assault survivor more than 10 years in recovery, on disability, and not working. Yet, here I am. I can let this time pass me by or I can allow God to use it to bring Him Glory.

Bring hope to others who are facing similar life circumstances. Challenges. Hurt. Sadness. Grief. Pain. Your exact story may be just what someone else needs to hear.

1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will be sexually assaulted before 18 and every 98 seconds in America someone is sexually assaulted. That means your story can help and encourage someone else.

What is God asking you to do today? He brought each of us to this time in our lives for a reason. “For such a time as this.” Are you ready to listen and follow like Queen Esther?

When I started this blog I told myself even if I only reach one person for God it’s worth it. So ask yourself, “Even if it’s just to reach one person for God isn’t it worth it?”

God,

Help me to know why you have me at this point in my life. What do you want me to do with my recovery? How can I encourage others on this journey? Help me to know how You want me to proceed with my story and may You receive all the glory for turning what others meant for evil into good.

Amen

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