As I read the book of Esther this past week, I decided to look deeper into the story. I began to examine Esther’s life and really look beyond the surface of common knowledge. There are certain facts that most Christians know about Esther, and sometimes that is as far as we go in our devotionals. However, I like to look deeper. I love to put myself in the shoes of a character and try to imagine what it would feel like to have the responsibility of an entire nation of people on your conscience.
And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? – Esther 4:14
I think sometimes we fail to realize that Esther isn’t just a character in a book, but that she was a real person who experienced real pressure and real trials just like what you and I face. The difference is that she simply faced them on a larger scale. I have gleaned so much from my character study on Esther, and I hope you will too.
You may be reading this and happen to be experiencing a trial that is shaking your world. Perhaps you feel like God has abandoned you, and that you are going through this situation alone. I would like to remind you that Esther was taken from her home, her comfort zone, and placed in a foreign situation with little to no contact with her family. Then, just when it seemed that she had gained favor in the kingdom, another massive trial was placed on her inexperienced shoulders. Esther was responsible for the lives of an entire nation of people. Her very existence was threatened, and at that point she had to make a choice: “Do I trust God and risk my own life?” or “Do I simply wait for another to take responsibility?”
Maybe you have been placed into your particular situation for “such a time as this.” Perhaps God has allowed you to walk through this valley and face this trial because He needs you to reach someone that you never would have had access to otherwise. You may feel overwhelmed, you may feel abandoned, but I promise you that the one who carried the cross, and took the nails in His hands is carrying you.
There have been times in my life where I have felt overwhelmed because of a situation that I found myself in. There have been times when I have felt that God has abandoned me and that I was all alone. But I assure you, dear reader, that He will never leave you or forsake you. He will carry you through this situation and transform your trial into a victory. You will come out of your trial stronger and find that you have grown spiritually; and because of this, you will be able to help others because of your experience. God has an intentional purpose for your life, Darling. Simply trust Him and remember that you are where you are “for such a time as this.”