October 23rd, 2026
By: Josh Sims
For Such a Time as This
Esther 4:14 (NIV) - “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place… And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Esther 4 tells the story of a woman who found herself in a position of influence during a moment of crisis. Esther was the queen of Persia, but she was also a Jewish woman living in a foreign land. When a plan was set in motion to destroy her people, she faced a difficult decision: remain silent and protect herself, or speak up and risk everything.
Her cousin Mordecai challenged her with a powerful question: What if this is the very reason you are where you are?
Esther had not become queen knowing that this moment would come. She couldn't have seen the future or understood how God would use her position. But when the moment arrived, she had an opportunity to step into a purpose much greater than herself.
That is one of the most important lessons we can learn from Esther 4: God can use the position you're in today to accomplish something greater than you can see.
We often think about purpose as something waiting for us in the future. We tell ourselves that one day, when we have more experience, more confidence, more resources, or more opportunities, we'll be ready to make a difference.
But what if God wants to use you right where you are?
What if your current season, your current relationships, and even the challenges you're facing are opportunities for God to work through you?
We may not always understand why God has placed us in certain circumstances. We may not recognize the significance of an ordinary conversation, a simple act of kindness, or a moment when we choose to stand for what is right. But God is able to use our everyday obedience to accomplish things we may never fully see.
Esther's decision was not easy. Approaching the king without being summoned could cost her life. She had a legitimate reason to be afraid.
Yet Mordecai's words challenged her to look beyond her personal safety and consider the needs of others.
Eventually, Esther made her decision. She asked the Jewish people to fast, and she prepared to approach the king. Her response is recorded in Esther 4:16:
“I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
Esther did not know how everything would turn out. She simply chose to move forward in faith.
That is what courage looks like. Courage doesn't mean we never feel afraid. It means fear doesn't get the final say in our obedience to God.
Sometimes, God calls us to have a difficult conversation. Sometimes, He calls us to stand up for someone who cannot stand up for themselves. Sometimes, He asks us to step into an opportunity that feels bigger than our abilities.
And sometimes, He calls us to lead even when we're tired, serve when nobody notices, or worship wholeheartedly when life outside the church feels anything but easy.
It's easy to serve when everything is going well. It's easy to sing about God's faithfulness when we can clearly see His hand at work. But real faithfulness is revealed when obedience costs us something.
God isn't asking us to have every answer before we obey Him. He's asking us to trust Him enough to take the next step.
Esther could have viewed her position as queen simply as a privilege to enjoy. Instead, she came to understand that her position carried a responsibility.
The same principle applies to us.
Our gifts are not merely for our benefit. Our talents are not simply opportunities to be recognized. Our influence is not just something to enjoy. They are opportunities to serve God and others.
He can use our faithfulness to minister to people in ways we may never fully understand.
We don't have to stand on a platform to make a difference. We simply have to be willing to let God use what He has placed in our hands.
Mordecai's question to Esther is still worth asking ourselves today: Who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?
Perhaps, the opportunity in front of you is not an accident. Perhaps, the person who needs encouragement is in your life for a reason. Perhaps, the responsibility you've been given is an opportunity to demonstrate God's character. Perhaps, the gifts you've spent years developing are meant to serve a purpose beyond yourself.
We don't need to know the entire plan to be faithful in the moment God has given us.
Esther's story reminds us that our lives are not ultimately about protecting our comfort, building our own platforms, or receiving recognition. They are about being available to God.
So, don't underestimate where you are today. Don't assume your contribution is too small. And don't let fear convince you that someone else must be better equipped to do what God has placed before you.
You may be exactly where God can use you most.
The question is not whether you feel perfectly qualified. The question is whether you are willing to trust Him with your position, your gifts, and your obedience.
You were not given your opportunities merely to enjoy them. You were given opportunities to steward them for God's glory.
Who knows? Maybe this is your moment.
For Such a Time as This
Esther 4:14 (NIV) - “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place… And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Esther 4 tells the story of a woman who found herself in a position of influence during a moment of crisis. Esther was the queen of Persia, but she was also a Jewish woman living in a foreign land. When a plan was set in motion to destroy her people, she faced a difficult decision: remain silent and protect herself, or speak up and risk everything.
Her cousin Mordecai challenged her with a powerful question: What if this is the very reason you are where you are?
Esther had not become queen knowing that this moment would come. She couldn't have seen the future or understood how God would use her position. But when the moment arrived, she had an opportunity to step into a purpose much greater than herself.
That is one of the most important lessons we can learn from Esther 4: God can use the position you're in today to accomplish something greater than you can see.
We often think about purpose as something waiting for us in the future. We tell ourselves that one day, when we have more experience, more confidence, more resources, or more opportunities, we'll be ready to make a difference.
But what if God wants to use you right where you are?
What if your current season, your current relationships, and even the challenges you're facing are opportunities for God to work through you?
We may not always understand why God has placed us in certain circumstances. We may not recognize the significance of an ordinary conversation, a simple act of kindness, or a moment when we choose to stand for what is right. But God is able to use our everyday obedience to accomplish things we may never fully see.
Esther's decision was not easy. Approaching the king without being summoned could cost her life. She had a legitimate reason to be afraid.
Yet Mordecai's words challenged her to look beyond her personal safety and consider the needs of others.
Eventually, Esther made her decision. She asked the Jewish people to fast, and she prepared to approach the king. Her response is recorded in Esther 4:16:
“I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
Esther did not know how everything would turn out. She simply chose to move forward in faith.
That is what courage looks like. Courage doesn't mean we never feel afraid. It means fear doesn't get the final say in our obedience to God.
Sometimes, God calls us to have a difficult conversation. Sometimes, He calls us to stand up for someone who cannot stand up for themselves. Sometimes, He asks us to step into an opportunity that feels bigger than our abilities.
And sometimes, He calls us to lead even when we're tired, serve when nobody notices, or worship wholeheartedly when life outside the church feels anything but easy.
It's easy to serve when everything is going well. It's easy to sing about God's faithfulness when we can clearly see His hand at work. But real faithfulness is revealed when obedience costs us something.
God isn't asking us to have every answer before we obey Him. He's asking us to trust Him enough to take the next step.
Esther could have viewed her position as queen simply as a privilege to enjoy. Instead, she came to understand that her position carried a responsibility.
The same principle applies to us.
Our gifts are not merely for our benefit. Our talents are not simply opportunities to be recognized. Our influence is not just something to enjoy. They are opportunities to serve God and others.
He can use our faithfulness to minister to people in ways we may never fully understand.
We don't have to stand on a platform to make a difference. We simply have to be willing to let God use what He has placed in our hands.
Mordecai's question to Esther is still worth asking ourselves today: Who knows but that you have come to your position for such a time as this?
Perhaps, the opportunity in front of you is not an accident. Perhaps, the person who needs encouragement is in your life for a reason. Perhaps, the responsibility you've been given is an opportunity to demonstrate God's character. Perhaps, the gifts you've spent years developing are meant to serve a purpose beyond yourself.
We don't need to know the entire plan to be faithful in the moment God has given us.
Esther's story reminds us that our lives are not ultimately about protecting our comfort, building our own platforms, or receiving recognition. They are about being available to God.
So, don't underestimate where you are today. Don't assume your contribution is too small. And don't let fear convince you that someone else must be better equipped to do what God has placed before you.
You may be exactly where God can use you most.
The question is not whether you feel perfectly qualified. The question is whether you are willing to trust Him with your position, your gifts, and your obedience.
You were not given your opportunities merely to enjoy them. You were given opportunities to steward them for God's glory.
Who knows? Maybe this is your moment.
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