For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for Jews from another place…Esther 4:14
We hear a lot these days about “defining moments.” The dictionary describes it like this, “a moment in time that defines something, such as a person’s success or failure, achievement or demise. A moment where you came to a turning point or a crossroads.”
I can think of a few defining moments in my life. The most significant was when I gave my heart to Christ in 1979. After that my defining moments were when I married my husband, gave birth to our children and last but certainly not least, becoming a grandmother.
I think it’s safe to say we all have stories of defining moments or crossroads that impacted us one way or another. For some it may be that degree hanging on your wall. While for others a turning point came when you began fighting an illness or you’ve experienced a dear loved one pass.
The book of Esther records the story of a young woman who had a defining moment. She became a queen to one of the most powerful kings in the known world. As far as she was concerned life for her would mean protection, position, recognition and all the luxuries a woman could want. But was becoming the queen Esther’s true defining moment? For most women this would definitely be the turning point of their lives. For Esther however a different reality was about to dawn. The reality came when God used her cousin Mordecai to challenge her. In Esther 4:14 he said, “And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” There was so much on the line that depended on Esther’s response. Esther was confronted with the opportunity to be greatly used of God. But, this would also come at great cost to herself. If Esther broke the rules of entering the king’s presence uninvited, she risked the possibility of death. Yet, once she realized that God may in fact had put her in this position for the welfare of His people, she said “yes” to God. This was her defining moment!
Far too often, we seek to negotiate the terms of our obedience because we are unsure of the personal benefits. I encourage you to read the book of Esther for yourself. The ten chapters are well worth the time. See what God did through one woman’s willingness to be courageously used of God. In the meantime let me leave you with these thoughts from another woman whom God greatly used for such a time as this.
Elisabeth Elliot writes, “A simple little prayer like “Show me the way or “Thy will be done” carries us far into regions we never meant to approach. What it takes to set a person apart for God’s special purpose may not look at first glance like a way to soundness or happiness. Christ Himself had to be sanctified for those He loved in His case this meant sacrifice. Not only his death on the cross but also many sacrifices before that. At the beginning of his public ministry, as soon as he was baptized he was led up by the Spirit where? To green pastures? No, he was led into the wilderness. If I am serious about my primary aim “Thy will be done”, I may be lead elsewhere than my lesser aims would take me.
Christian woman, where has God put you for such a time as this? When you and I allow God to use us for His kingdom we’ll discover a greater and more fulfilling purpose than our plans will ever take us!