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This week's focus: Adversity

“Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 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?”

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther‬ ‭4:12-15) ‭

Amid adversity, Esther was admonished to take advantage of her position as queen and speak up. Mordecai reminded her that if she chose to do nothing, deliverance would arise from another place, but she would still be at risk; not even the title behind her name could save her. Fortunately, Esther made the honorable and wise decision to consider others as more important than herself by refusing to remain silent. Her obedience allowed her the privilege of taking part in God’s rescue plan. An entire nation, including Esther and her family, was spared. Furthermore, by saving the Jews, God made the way for His Son, Jesus, to come into the world.

High callings aren’t made just for royalty, but for each of us. Scripture tells us that God has marked out our appointed times in history and divinely placed us where we are for a reason (see Acts 17:26). God has given each of us positions and opportunities to fight back against dangerous forces that seek to kill, steal, and destroy. Let us not miss Kingdom assignments by shrinking back when we should be stepping up.