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 NIV
Life gives us opportunities, sometimes more than we recognize. Among those may be the chance to do something extraordinary. For example, an employer may identify a unique talent or gift in us and offer to send us to training that will help advance
our careers. As a general rule, the more aware we are of the opportunities and are willing to accept them, the more successful we will be.
Esther was given such an extraordinary opportunity. The Jews were living under oppressive Persian rule. One man in particular, Haman, hated them and desired nothing more than to bring about their genocide. However, this was not God's plan, the Jewish people were His chosen, and He would deliver. The only question for Esther was whether she would be that vehicle of deliverance. God had given her the opportunity; what would she do?
Today we, too, are allowed to save others; family, friends, and neighbors. The task is no less necessary nor dangerous than what Esther was asked to do. Each day, we are gifted the opportunity to share the incredible gift of Christ's salvation with others. Our witness may be the only one they hear—or the one they need to hear. The question to us, like Esther, is, what will we do?
Gracious and loving God, thank you for the opportunities you offer us. Help us to recognize them as they arise, to unabashedly share our witness, and grant us the compassion and words to reach others so that they may accept you. In Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Kommentare