For Such a Time as This

From my radio show to the Bible Studies I teach, I talk to a lot of women about their stresses and their concerns about their careers, marriages and children. One consistent theme I hear over and over is, “What difference am I really making, for my family, my kids or for God?” For such questions I have only one answer, “You’re the only one with your personal convictions, your make-up, your skills, your appearance, your touch, your voice, your style, your sphere of influence.”

My responses aren’t coming from my own casual observances, but instead right from the Bible. In God’s word you’ll find individual women who made a difference, who set the pace or cut a wide swath and changed their times. For encouragement one only has to look at the book of Esther.

The Story of Esther

Esther was a beautiful Jewish woman who captured the heart of the King of Persia. Only there was a slight problem. Jews were living as conquered exiles in Persia – and the king didn’t know Esther was Jewish. Also in the picture was Esther’s cousin, Mordecai. To keep her safe as she entered the palace, he told her it wouldn’t be a good idea to reveal her heritage. That was working really well until he revealed his by refusing to bow to his superior, Haman. In response, Haman vows not only to destroy Mordecai but to kill all the Jews in the Jerusalem.

What About God’s Promise?

At this point, it would be tempting to call it quits. After being under Persian rule for so long, it would be easy to become defeated and think that perhaps God forgot about the Jews. But this is where it gets good. This is where we see what our God is made of. Just look at the promises throughout the Old Testament, such as this one:

For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Esther’s Convictions

It’s when her people’s lives are on the line that Esther decides to take a stand. She determines to go to the king and make a plea for her people. Was she scared? Of course. Could she die? Likely. But she was at the point of no return. This was where the rubber met the road for Esther. It was for a time such as this that she transformed from being just a Persian beauty queen to a woman of ethics, vision and strength – rooted in God.

Your Captivity and God’s Promises

Is there something in your life holding you captive? Do you feel like you’ll die if you don’t take a stand against it? It’s during these trials of faith that we have to turn on our inner Esther.

What About You?

Do you want to live as a vapid beauty queen or do you want to live like Esther and make a huge difference in the lives of every person you touch?

Esther, Part 2

Come back next week as I finish blogging about Esther.