Hope Series

Elijah

For Such a Time as This

Sunday August 17, 2024 - Pastor Margareth Valui

Esther 4:14

In the Book of Esther, we find a captivating story of a young Jewish woman chosen to be queen, unexpectedly thrust into a position of influence and power within the Persian Empire. The story of Esther is about a girl who overcame the challenge and stepped into her one and only opportunity to do what she was born for. All that was needed for her was to have a life-changing conversation and to own her purpose and destiny, which ultimately saved thousands of lives.

1. CONVERSATION: "For Such a Time as This."

12 When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 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?"

Has God brought you to a life-changing "such a time as this" conversation or moment? How did it help you or others?

2. VIRTUES: Wisdom, Faith, Obedience, and Courage.

15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do.

Esther knew that she could not do it alone, so she made two decisions:

1. She sought God's guidance by praying and fasting for three days.
2. She asked for her people's help.

How's your prayer life? Who are the people in your support system?

16d When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

We see Esther walk towards her own potential death sentence. Each step Esther takes into the king's inner court reminds us of her depth of sacrifice.

What are you willing to risk to follow God's will?

How are you operating with wisdom, faith, obedience, and courage in your life?

3. DIVINE PURPOSE: Esther seized the moment in front of her.

1. Esther was raised to do a special task: to save the Jewish people.
2. Our lives are part of a larger picture.

For Such a Time as This:
What is this time asking you to do?