Preparation and Obedience - Jewell Utt
“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14
My morning was rushed, due to a friend’s call for prayer. I multi-tasked, raced out the door and arrived at my destination in record time. I was driving to a farm that supplies our food pantry with eggs each month. I’d become friends with the manager and stayed a moment to talk, but something was wrong. He seemed ill at ease, not his usual light-hearted self.
As I walked away, I spied my reflection in the car glass. I was horrified. My hair was wildly disheveled. I had applied the mousse’ but had forgotten to style it. I was completely embarrassed and determined to make things right. So on my next visit, I wore my best black suit, artful makeup and styled hair. I was over prepared, but the manager was out for the day! All that effort was wasted. By the time we met again months later, it was the farthest thing from our minds.
In the book of Esther, we see the art of preparation coupled with faithful obedience. Esther prepared a year prior to meeting her King. Her time and effort were noticed and she was crowned Queen. During her reign, a decree was set to kill all Jews. The King did not know her heritage, that she herself was a Jew. Her uncle Mordecai had lovingly raised her and continued to instruct her. And on this occasion, he appealed to her to beg for mercy on behalf of her people. This was risky. Anyone who approached the King un-summoned could be put to death. Though fearful, she resolved to be obedient.
Esther did not rush into speaking to the King. She carefully and thoughtfully planned her course of action. She enlisted the people to fast with her for three days exercising patience,
good timing
and selflessness.
Esther 4:13-14
In the following verses, Mordecai expresses words to Esther that we can all relate to during difficult seasons.
“Do not think that because you are in the King’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 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?”
This was true. As a Jew she and her family would also perish, and if she chose not to intercede, God would raise up someone else. She was sovereignly placed in her position for this very circumstance. As I ponder Mordecai’s famous quote, “for such a time as this,” I am reminded that we are challenged in our times, as well. God puts us in positions to be a voice and to take action. Sadly, there are many times when we question ad nauseam. Then the latter occurs, relief comes through another person.
I wonder how many opportunities I have missed while calculating the possibilities. How many times have fear and doubt caused me to stop short? I pray that when God offers an opportunity that I will take up the challenge. I know that whatever He calls me to, He sees me through in His power and might. I’ve long since realized that God does not depend on me for my muscle or brainpower, He is solely seeking my obedience.
In what royal position has God placed you for such a time as this?
Heavenly Father, You created us at this point in history. A time of confusion, unrest and turbulence. Reveal Your purposes and strengthen us to walk in them. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and obedient spirits to answer Your call. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
