For Such a Time as This

Scripture: Esther 4:14 NIV – 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?

Reflection: I used to have a hard time speaking up for myself. I would remain silent when I knew my voice needed to be heard. I would often remain silent because I knew someone else would say exactly what I was thinking – eventually. Someone with more nerve than I had would come to the defense of the offended; someone would speak up when people were mistreated, it didn’t have to be me; I had convinced myself of this!

When I became a wife, mom, and a manager, I didn’t have the luxury of staying quiet during times of unfairness. I had to say what was necessary, and be the voice of those who trusted me to speak up for them. We may not all be placed in royal positions, like Queen Esther, but we are all placed where we are, for a reason, “…. for such a time as this”. Leviticus 5:1 says “If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have seen or learned about, they will be held responsible”. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be held responsible for not making the choice to defend the truth.

Prayer: Father God, please help me to remember that I am here to serve a greater purpose. I am placed here, in this season of my life, to attend to Your kingdom and bring others closer to You, by being mindful of the power I have when I speak up in love and in fairness. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.