Esther Chapter 4. I Surrender All.
After the Jews find out about the decree of them being killed on a given day, they respond with much weeping and wailing.
Mordecai sends a message to Esther to go before the king and plead for mercy for the Jews. She is hesitant and tells Mordecai that she could lose her life if she goes before the king without him summoning her. Mordecai responds by saying don't think that because you're the queen, and because you keep silent, that your life will be spared as one of the Jews. Perhaps it was for such a time as this that you were placed on this Earth as Queen so the Jews could be delivered.
As a result, all the Jews in Susa, plus Mordecai, Esther and her attendants, fasted before the Lord three days and three nights.
The Jews got it right. They needed to take it to the Lord. They realized they needed the Lord because they can't do it on their own. Oh that we would pursue God with such brokenness and reliance and humility. God responds to a person's broken and humble heart. It's easy to acknowledge God, but it's not always easy to really surrender over to him that which is causing distress because deep down inside we don't trust God to intervene, but rather we trust our own abilities more.
“for such a time as this” – reminds me that nothing is accidental to a child of God. Even when your situation seems difficult, the Lord has placed you right where He wants you to be. God is on the throne; He’s still steering your ship; He’s in control and there’s a reason for where He has you right now. There are people to minister to, lives for you to touch and work for you to do … for the sake of the kingdom. Thank you, Lord … for placing me right where I am. Remind me when times are difficult that You have placed me here for a reason.
Esther’s moment had arrived. She was put where she was for a reason. It was time for her to open her mouth and reveal who she was. There was a risk involved and it would take bravery and boldness to do what needed to be done! This called for fasting and prayer.
We may also be put into situations where we may need to take a stand and let it be known who we are in Christ. This may take some bravery and boldness, but may we be like Esther was in trusting the Lord by accepting the challenge as she stated in verse 16, “and if I perish, I perish.”