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"And who knows but that you have come to
your royal position for such a time as this?"
(Esther 4:14b)
This week, we are exploring one of the central themes of the book of Esther: God is always working, even when you can't see or hear him.
The most famous verse from the book of Esther is found here in chapter 4: "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" When Mordecai communicates to Esther his encouragement to advocate for her people, the Jews, before the king, he expresses a belief that perhaps this is the exact reason for which the Lord has appointed Esther to this position as queen.
In the beginning of the story, it may seem like just a historic story of another drunken king and his antics. While the story is interesting, what does it have to teach us? Why is it included in Scripture? When you begin the book of Esther, it is not immediately obvious what the point is. As we read the first few chapters of Esther, the story is being set up. Vashti is removed as queen, and Esther rises to be crowned in her place. All of this is rising action.
We can read the entire book of Esther in 30 minutes or less. In this short time, we can quickly see the ways that God is orchestrating events and people ultimately for His glory. So when Mordecai tells Esther that perhaps she has become queen for the very reason of saving the Jewish people from Haman's plot, it is easy for us to see how this could very well be the case as we trace God's hand through the story. However, don't forget that it has been years since Esther was first taken as a prospective future wife for the king. Do you think she ever wondered during the year long beauty treatments she received before she even met the king what the purpose of it all was? Do you think she knew then that all of this was so that she could one day save her people? Of course not! But through it all, God was setting up a grand plan to display His faithfulness to His people. God created Esther and made her queen of Persia with the knowledge and plan that one day she would be used to carry out His sovereign plan. Her position had a purpose, even if that position was not immediately obvious.
What positions has God placed you in? Consider your job, your neighborhood, your family, your church, and any organizations you are a part of. They don't have to be positions of great influence like Esther. God uses even the simplest of situations and relationships. How might God use your position within these groups to bless others? How might the Lord use the positions in which He has placed you for His glory?
Perhaps, however, you look around you now with great uncertainty as to why the Lord is allowing what He is allowing in your life. Perhaps you are totally unsure how God wants to use your position and situation. Take heart in knowing that God is sovereign over your entire life and the entire lives of all those around you. Who is to say that you too aren't in a season of "rising action"? The Lord may be setting up future opportunities for you to be used by Him. Some good news, though, is that even when you can't discern the greater purpose for seasons of your life, there are a few things we know God has always called us to do in all situations with all people: Love others like Jesus. Glorify God in all of your interactions with others. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) No matter where we are in life, we can continue to be faithful in these ways.
Our God is not shortsighted. He is completely sovereign over all circumstances at all times. When you can't see God's plan in the moment, be faithful to the things you know God has called you to, and trust His sovereign plan that endures throughout your life and for all eternity.
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
(2 Corinthians 9:8)
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