For Such a Time as This
By Linda Gray
“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 ESV
I was the fourth and last child. And to my mother’s delight, a girl. I wish I could say that I was delighted to be a part of my family. My mother was wonderful. My father was not a believer and battled depression. Thankfully, he surrendered his life to Christ a few short months before his death.
But my main source of discontent was my parents’ ages. My mother was in her late 30s and my dad early 40s. I was often referred to as a “caboose baby.” One person even referred to me as “an accident.” All my friends had younger parents and it was obvious at times. And in the ’70s there weren't a lot of babies being born to middle-aged parents.
Now I love my parents. But I often asked God why He placed me into that family. I have often wondered why God created me at all. I think everyone does at one time or another.
Maybe that’s why the story of Esther is so special to me. She was an ordinary girl. And she had an unusual family set-up. Yet, she was thrown into the midst of a diabolical scheme to exterminate her people. I encourage you to take another look into this wonderful short book.
My favorite passage in the whole book, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Those last 6 words sum it all up. She had a decision to either follow God’s plan or let someone else take up her slack. She chose to trust God. And He used her greatly for His glory and honor. A whole race of people was saved.
I forgot to mention that when my mother was expecting me (way before a baby’s sex could be determined), she prayed that God would use the child within her. He has answered her prayers many times. I can look back on my 50+ years of life and see His hand. In the world’s eyes I don’t have great talents or abilities. But I have a willing heart to serve and be used.
I may not know until I face my Savior why exactly I was created for such a time as this. But I will press on doing my best to please Him.
Father, you have placed me in this time of history for a reason. Fulfill in me Your perfect plan. Amen.
© 2021 by Linda Gray. All rights reserved.
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