Do you ever get that “Esther” feeling? That you were created for “…just such a time as this?” I believe God has a plan for each of us. And to those whom He has called into leadership, our role can be critical. But we need to be careful how we think about ourselves and our leadership.

I love the story of Esther. It is a book filled with wonder, excitement, drama, humor, intrigue, and… most of all…a look at how God positions us for His service. Esther is the central character, and we can learn a lot from looking at her situation.

Today, I want to zero in on one point in Esther’s life, and the wisdom of Mordecai in that critical moment. If you need to refresh yourself about the story, take time to read the whole Old Testament book. It is powerful. The high point for Queen Esther comes in chapter 4. It is a crisis of faith. Mordecai tells her she needs to go in to see the King to expose the plot to kill the Jews. And… Esther is Jewish. Sensing a possible hesitation on her part, listen to what Mordecai tells Esther:

Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die.

Esther 4:13-14 NLT

Yes, Mordecai then goes on to say perhaps Esther has come to the kingdom for such a time as this. But we can zero in on that phrase and let it become a point of pride. “God put me here. I am the one who can lead. I am the critical factor.”

Mordecai was making it clear to Esther that God’s plan was going to work whether she did her part or not. What Esther would miss would be His blessing for her and her family.

Here’s the point. Yes, God has placed you in a strategic position to accomplish an important part of His plan. But you are not the critical element. God is.

Be careful that you don’t quickly move to the “for such a time as this” part of the scripture without understanding that God doesn’t really need you. The Lord is giving you the privilege of serving Him, and God has special blessings for you IF you follow His direction for your life.

Don’t let pride get in between you and God’s plan and purpose for your life. In Jeremiah we read:

…Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power,

or the rich boast in their riches.

But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone:

that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord….

Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT

Always remember…God is in charge…and has given you an important assignment. Do it with all your heart, and keep your eyes on the One who is over all.

God’s best,