Today’s scripture: Esther 4:14 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Sue Robinson):
When I was given this verse to meditate on and write about, I was shocked that it spoke directly to me and a situation my partner and I found ourselves.
Let me explain.
Our church, LifeJourney Church, is burgeoning at the seams with children. Now that is not normally considered unusual, but since quite a majority of our congregants are LGBT, this is a blessing from God!
But when we started the church, that was not the case. Now we find ourselves in the need of more classrooms and teaching areas so our children can grow and learn.
So, we are in the midst of a campaign to raise funds for that need. The personal problem arises because my partner and I would love to be a part of this, but have just recovered from quite a season of financial troubles and stress. So we are deep in prayer and conversation about how to help.
Mordecai told Esther that help would come to the Jews either by her or someone else, but help WOULD come. She could be in the thick of it or not, but God’s plan would not be thwarted. If she chose not to help the Jews, God wouldn’t be sitting on high wringing God’s holy hands and saying “How can I get this done now? Oh, what will I do?”
No, God’s plan would just be fulfilled from others doing God’s will.
But the last of this verse is intriguing. “Yet who knows if you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” If we help, who knows which of our church children will benefit and go on to a life of service because of what they learned here. What great things are in the future because someone offered the opportunity for growth and learning to these little hearts? God won’t punish us if we can’t help. The work will get done, if not through us, then through others. But we are offered the chance to be part of it. Who knows if our place in God’s kingdom was for just such a time as this!
Prayer for the day: Dear Lord, please help us be aware of the chances to be in the front lines of Your amazing plans. Let us know the blessings of saying “Yes” when you ask us to partner with You. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.