Day 21 — For Such a Time as This

“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 house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

— Esther 4:14 (BSB)

In Book 4, you met Esther, the young Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. When a wicked man named Haman convinced the king to sign a law to destroy all the Jewish people, Esther’s cousin Mordecai asked her to go to the king and plead for her people.

But Esther was afraid. Going to the king without being invited could mean death.

So Mordecai sent her today’s message. Notice two things he said.

First: “If you remain silent… relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place.” Mordecai trusted that God would save His people one way or another. God didn’t need Esther. But He was giving her the chance to be part of His plan.

Second: “Who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” In other words: Esther, maybe this is why God made you queen. Maybe God put you in this exact place, at this exact time, for this exact moment.

Esther could have thought her becoming queen was just luck. But Mordecai helped her see that God had put her there on purpose.

The same is true for you. It’s not an accident that you were born when you were, into your family, in your town, at your school, with your friends. God placed you exactly where you are, at exactly this time in history, for a reason.

Maybe there’s a friend who needs you. Maybe there’s a neighbor only you know about. Maybe there’s someone at school who’s lonely, or a kid being picked on, or a family member who doesn’t know Jesus. Maybe God put you in their life for such a time as this.

Esther had a choice. She could stay silent and safe, or she could step into God’s plan. She chose to go to the king, and God used her to save her people.

You have choices like that too. God probably won’t ask you to go before a king. But He might ask you to speak up, reach out, help someone or stand for what’s right. When He does, remember: maybe this is why you’re here.

Think about it: Why do you think God put you exactly where you are right now: your family, your school and your neighborhood?

Try this: Ask God, “Who have You put in my life, for such a time as this?” Then do something kind for the person who comes to mind.

Dear God, thank You that I’m not where I am by accident. You placed me here, at this time, for a reason. Help me see the people and opportunities You’ve put in front of me. Give me courage like Esther to step into Your plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.