For Such a Time As This

Our church usually offers two alternatives for Adult Sunday School.  One follows the traditional class published by our church headquarters.  There is a new book each quarter, which often is broken into a couple of different units of focus.  For the summer months, the themes are "Triumph of Christ's Kingdom (Daniel and Revelation)" and "Help for Life's Journey".  The second option we refer to as the "elective class", and usually involves selecting a book to study or DVD series.  Interestingly, our current class option came our way from someone who doesn't even attend our church.  They had the study materials on hand, and felt led to pass them on instead of letting them collect dust on their bookshelf.  Thus it came to be we are now pursuing a DVD Beth Moore Study on the book of Esther.

The story of Esther has long fascinated me, and a fresh perspective is always welcome.  If you've never read her story, I would encourage you to do so.  You will find it in the pages of the Old Testament, sandwiched between Nehemiah and Job. Or an alternative would be to watch a 2006 movie rendition called, "One Night With the King", which follows the Biblical account fairly well.  Esther's story is a fairy tale type story, where a seemingly insignificant young lady finds herself in a position to change the course of an entire nation.  One of the portions often quoted from chapter 4 and verse 14, finds Esther's cousin, Mordecai, sending her the message, "And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

The story of Esther is one of destiny.  She was placed in the right place at the right time for God's right purpose to be fulfilled.  Perhaps my life story doesn't involve being invited to a palace or marrying a king.  Still, I sense God has a purpose and calling on my life, just as He did Esther's.  How about you?  In the comings and goings of your life, do you see God at work, "for such a time as this"?  Please feel free to share how God is working in and through you or your church to make an impact on your community.  We can all learn from each other, and with God's guidance make a difference in the world.