“…for such a time as this.”

Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
— Esther 4:13-14

The phrase, “for such a time as this,” is yet another Bible passage we see people misuse, and to such a degree that they falsely apply it as referring to the good and comfortable things in their life. When Mordecai said this to Esther, he was calling her out of her comforts and self-interests. He was challenging her to face something more difficult than she had ever known.
I have found myself referring to this statement more often than normal lately. I have used it at the bottom of my letters to our missionaries in Europe, and to others in difficult and trying situations.
I am sure that you are feeling the difficulty of this situation we now find ourselves in, and I would challenge you with the same words. Could this not be a new time of great opportunity that God has set before us for the growth and glory of His kingdom? What will you do with such a time as this? How will you encourage our medical workers, or those in nursing homes, or others that God places on your heart? How will you communicate the gospel of Christ to others?
I pray you would use the opportunities to demonstrate peace and joy, and to offer the true hope that is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ—that good news for all; that He sacrificed Himself for our brokenness, and now offers eternal life to those who trust in Him.
Please share this message with others.
I am also looking for the opportunities, and after almost 20 years of blogging, I am now vlogging. So, for those who have access to Facebook, please tune in to watch my second vlog this Wednesday.

Pastor Mike Fast
“between Sundays” #272