"Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?"
Esther 4:14
Esther 4:14
What time was it? This was a time when something must be done. It was a time that required extreme faith. This was a time in which God must heard from and listened to obeyed. Esther was called to do something that was beyond herself for the greater good of others. She knew the risk: death. She knew this was "her time."
Have you ever be called to a "such a time as this?" If so, what was your reaction? On numerous occasions I have been called to a "such a time as this." My immediate reaction was, "Who am I Lord? What if I heard you wrong and lead others down the wrong way? Let someone else be accountable for this big task." Yes, I doubted myself and trying to convince God to select someone else more suitable for the job. But He persisted and I obeyed. Each time I have been part of a bigger blessing than I could ever expected. Refusing to accept "such a time as this" moments means that we miss out on being part of huge God-stories.
What example did Esther leave for us? She did three things to prepare for her "such a time as this" moment:
- Called friends to support her
- Asked these friends to fast for three days
- She fasted for three days
"Such a time as this" moments as scary. I have learned that moments like these are given to individuals who God feels can handle the task. If you feel God is calling you to a "such a time as this" moment, I encourage you to follow Esther's plan. Invite some people to pray with you and for you about the moment. You don't have to be specific. (Real friends wanting God's best for you will not need details.) Be ready to give up something if He calls you to do so. Many times it is for a short season. Great blessings come from sacrifice. God will faithfully lead the timing to, through, and after your moment.
Have you had a "such a time as this moment" you can share? Everyone who comments today will be in a drawing for a copy of my book.
P.S. Thank you for all the kind words on the my "new look." Please don't be alarmed if my posts run late this week. My mother is having knee replacement surgery in the morning and my schedule will be off. Her name is Fay. She is one of sweetest women I have ever known and I am not saying this just because she is my mother.
Have you had a "such a time as this moment" you can share? Everyone who comments today will be in a drawing for a copy of my book.
P.S. Thank you for all the kind words on the my "new look." Please don't be alarmed if my posts run late this week. My mother is having knee replacement surgery in the morning and my schedule will be off. Her name is Fay. She is one of sweetest women I have ever known and I am not saying this just because she is my mother.
17 Comments:
Dear Wendy
This is only my second post - but I want you to know how thankful I am for your guidance and wisdom as we journey together this year! I was so surprised when I came back on Friday and saw your new look - it is lovely! It was a matter of minutes and you switched over! You are a beautiful woman ... inside and out. You and your mom will be in my prayers this week.
Thanks also, to all the faithful bloggers - you keep me coming back for more as you help me understand and bring many new insights to the discussion. I am blessed!
Happy new week,
Love
Marianne
You know, I'm sure it never gets old to hear that someone has read your blog/devotion at just the right time! I myself am at a crossroads of stepping out and as difficult as I think it may be, I find comfort in reading what God puts before me! Thanks!
Melissa
Good Morning Sisters,
I just love Esther! Even more so after doing Beth Moore's study over the summer. This verse, Esther 4:14,is one that God used in 2007 to guide me to a "such a time as this." The coordinator of our MOPS group had been coordinating for 5 years and she announced that summer at our steering team retreat that she felt released from the position and that she knew God had someone else to step in and take over. I remember that summer night like it was yesterday...we were all sitting around on the floor eating smores and the room got quite when she said it. I was looking down, not wanting to make eye contact with anyone because I knew at that moment it was me God was asking to do it. I was SCARED TO DEATH! Me- who can not talk in front of people, who has so much baggage that I had worked through and was working through, how in the world could God use me in this way? Later the girls told me as I was looking down everyone else was looking at me because they all knew I was the one who was going to be taking over that position. I prayed about it for a while and God led me to several passages and this one in Esther was one of them. After talking with my husband John and got his blessing I knew God was leading me to this. I accepted but was trembling as I did it. I am so glad I did though! Through it I have grown in so many ways, the biggest one was getting more comfortable speaking in front of others. I have done several things at church now up in front of the congregation and the fear that used to be totally in control of me has released it's grip and I don't get so fearful. We also had three women saved at our Christmas meeting last year which was a PTL moment! God is still growing me and through doing the Esther study over the summer He led me to start teaching a women's Bible study at my church. In January we are going to be going through Lysa's book "Who Holds the Key to Your Heart?" It goes through so much of what I have had to work through in my own healing and I am so excited for what God has in store!
Another passage that caught my attention this morning was 2:1 when it says, "But after Xerxes' anger has subsided he began thinking about Vasheti and what he had done and the decree he had made." How many times do we make bad decisions in the midst of emotion? Too many for me I know! Then we end up regretting deeply those decisions because we did not make them in wisdom, we made them out of hurt, anger, pride, etc. Xerxes even enlisted the help of all his nobles (friends) to ask them what he should do. Don't we do the same? My husband hurts me and I run to a friend instead of running to God and placing it in His hands. God is working in me HUGE on this right now! Taking all the emotions to Him and talking them out with Him and not talking them out with others who are going to have a swayed view point. We always want others to agree and spur us on in our pride. We end up making really dumb choices, I think Xerxes was regretting what he had done when he was in his right mind. BUT God always has a plan and He uses even the bad decisions and things we do to work it out for His good and ours. Praise Him for that! We can never do anything He can not use!
Have a blessed day sisters~
Brandee, TN
Prayers for your mom Wendy!
This was my key verse today too.
Just the other day I was encouraging a friend with this very verse. Sometimes we need a "Mordecai" to remind us, or help us see these pivotal times in our life.
Sadly, I recall a time when I didn't respond. Fear won. I forfeited the bigger blessing. That memory certainly fueled me for the next 'time'. I didn't want any more regrets.
We may not have been made “queen”, but we may have been made wife, mother, neighbour, babysitter, teacher, friend, hairdresser, dental hygienist, engineer, writer, speaker, doctor, grocery clerk, librarian, sales girl, unemployed, grandma, single, married, the list is endless, for such a time as this.
A time as this. A defining moment. You have been placed in your circle of influence for such a time as this. You are on the Kingdom calendar, positioned where you are, right now, by the God of the universe, for this very purpose. Your present location is part of your destiny. Will you walk it in obedience or turn away?
Your entire life purpose could be waiting on your response. Everything in your life up until now could have been leading to this exact second. Suddenly does being made “queen” not seem so attractive? Does the crown bring cowardice? We can either watch life or take part in it. Be a spectator or a participant.
A decision awaits. Don’t miss the opportunity. There is a miracle waiting in this moment.
Will be praying for you mom. May the Lord give you special times with her this week.
Blessings,
Joy
Dear Sister's~
I recently took the Beth Moore, Esther Study, also. This morning- reading through the chapters in the NLT was soothing, & familar but, even better. The chapters seem to come to life more with the O.T. background. It put a whole different perspective on it, and made me know how important it is to read through the Bible, and continue doing so. To continue studying & learning about Christ, and following after Him. To be a disciple.
Esther 4:14, "for such a time as this," stood out to me, also. To serve Him where we are. God has placed each one of us in a specific role. He has a purpose and a plan for every Christian. His plan, not only blesses each one of us, but, manny people around us. God may not seem like He is in the middle of it, but He always is. He determined our circumstances even before we were born. To feel peace, dear ladies, knowing that our Father, IS in control, no matter what lies before us.
A major "such a time as this moment," was the decision to walk away from my career. I had completed all the necessary requirements needed and was ready to begin my internship to become principal, and I became pregnant. In my mind I had never considered not working in the educational field. I loved what I did. Internally, I fought the decision, knowing I heard a little voice inside of me, telling me to "let go." The district gave me a year off...so, part of me was relieved because I could put off my decision again. As it turns out, about the same time I was ready to have to tell them what my answer was, I became pregnant AGAIN! Another year off was granted to me, which made it even harder. I knew in my heart, that I was meant to let go of my career, so soon after, I made it official. I ended up miscarrying, but getting pregnant again a few months later. God blessed this decision beyond my wildest dreams.
Dear Wendy, I will be lifting you and sweet Fay up in prayer...
aaahh, Monday, here we come, ready or not! Choose joy, dear loved ones! Blessings, Lori - AZ
Dear Wendy~
Your new look is fabulous! I love it!
Just wondered if you received the Bible I sent and what you might have thought of it. I know that you have a plan and I wasn't trying to interrupt it. I just thought you might want to see that one and go through it someday!
Blessings for you momma! Hope all goes well!
Cheri Bunch
Wow! Love the new look! And great pics!!
Love you!
I was mopping the floor and was thinking about our reading this morning and what Joy said. The first part of the key verse says that if she does not do this their deliverance will come from another place, but her and her family will perish. What about us? What about the cost of our disobedience? What will it cost others if we don't do what God asks of us? His plans and purposes will be accomplished whether we cooperate or not, but what will be the cost if we don't? Just something I was thinking about and wanted to share. Makes me want to live my life on purpose, always walking in obedience. Not just for myself, but what it might mean to my family and the other people God has me here for at this particular time. Acts 17:26 says, "...he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live." We are here right now to accomplish just what God wants done.
Back to cleaning, just wanted to share my thoughts :)
Cheri
I did receive the Bible. Thank you so much! I can't wait to dig into it. I love to add new things!
I appreciate you sharing a piece of your life with me.
Good morning, this is my first time leaving a comment on this blog. I have followed it and been extremely blessed by reading the Word this year, the additional comments and from your words Wendy. I met you at She Speaks and since then I feel like my life has been on a great and crazy rollercoaster ride. I feel like God has me at "such a time as this" I felt God give me a ministry idea this past January and I have prayed about it alot but over the summer laid it down for God's timing. This past week through connection on Facebook I had lunch with an casual friend and heard her heart and it matched my dream for a ministry. I felt God move so strongly last week. I want to move if this is my time, but there is a huge financial committment and risk and I am not a risk taker especially with finances. I ask for prayer that if this is my moment I don't miss out for myself, and as one other comment said the blessings that God could have for my family,friends, church and community. God Bless and thanks so much for all your words and encouragement I find here daily.
Wendy,
Love your new look! You look absolutely georgeous.
I am in a "such a time as this" moment now. Not details that I can share online, but I would love your prayers in helping me make the right decision. I know God has a plan and that is what I want to follow.
Will be praying for your mom and the whole family.
Blessings
Kim
Wendy, my friend, lifting your mom in prayer.
Girls I am in one of those "change your life moments". I didn't plan on being where I am at this stage of my life. Sometimes I want to shake my fists and say "you want me to do what" to the Lord. But stepping back to get a glimpse of things,outside my little box. Might be the very thing to change the course of my life from this moment on. That is where my faith is playing a role like never before.
I love what you said Wendy about having girlfriends pray for you. All along this path I am on, I keep asking for perspective, not permission. Just asking for prayer alongside and for my decisions.
I may never know this side of heaven if all of the decisions I have made "that seemed just beyond me" were the right ones. However I can try hard to seek out guidance on as many as possible.
Blessings,
Diane
Hi, Wendy! I LOVE the new blog look! You are gorgeous, as always!
I love reading through Esther these couple of days. So much to learn. So much to glean.
I was moved that she asked her friends to fast and pray. What treasure are friends like that!
Wendy, every morning I thank the Lord for you and this commitment. You inspired so many women to be in God's Word every day. This is both a huge blessing and a big commitment. Thank you! I pray HE blesses you beyond measure!
Hugs,
Sharon
Wendy,
Praying for your mom! Asking for guided hands and speedy recovery.
As to "such a time as this" when I was asked to join the board of directors at Hearts at Home I was both honored and overwhelmed. I loved the opportunity to help Moms all across the world but felt ill-prepared for the role. In fact it was my husband who convinced me I should accept the position. Several months after I began serving I realized how much God had been preparing me for my role over the previous few years. I kept wondering why I was in the position I was in at work only to discover my job had trained me for ministry!
I think we easily lose site of how God is preparing us today for future endeavors. What joy we experience when we view every day as an opportunity to grow closer to something He has in store for us. Something I'm still learning!
Blessings,
MarLo
Kim
I am praying for you now.
Wendy
My "for such a time as this" moment would be when I felt led to co-chair our community VBS. I live in a very small town (300 people) and previously our 2 churches in town each had their own VBS...with waning numbers. An idea was presented to combine numbers and workers...and feeling led I volunteered to co-chair with a wonderful gal from the other church. I was nervous - and old satan was whispering in my ear what a failure this probably would be...etc...but lo and behold, we had 100 kids come to our Bible School! We've co-chaired this now for 5 years and it remains such a blessing...and because of it I have found such an amazing Sister in Christ in my co-chair! God is good!
Prayers for mamma Fay....and for Kim to feel God's guidance....could I request a prayer? My dad is really failing (83) and he is not a believer. He has been a very angry, bitter man my whole life. Please pray that God does His amazing work in my father...and that God softens my heart toward him. thank you!
Morgen - MN
My "such a time as this" moment seems to have started 12 years ago when my first husband was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Now it seems the things I learned as a care-giver have prepared me for what is to come with my own diagnosis of cancer. God does not need to "prove" Himself to me - I already know He is faithful, and His grace is sufficient... He has proved that over and over.
I also believe that God is preparing me for "such a time as this" that is to come... may I be willing to say, "Here I am, Lord, use me."
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