Daily Reflections on Esther 4:1-5:8 (What's My Value?)

Have you ever wondered why you're here on this planet at this time in history? Have you ever wondered what difference your life makes? Have you ever wondered what your value to the world or mankind was? Have you ever wondered why you were born into your family or into your community? Have you ever wondered why you are where you are?

In these chapters of Esther, Mordecai challenges Esther with those famous words, "Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Those words have stayed with me since I learned them as a kid. It was clear that all the things in my life; my decisions (good and bad), my circumstances, my experiences, my talents, my choices, shape me and bring me to where I am today. As I've sought to pursue God and His will, He has prepared me for the moment I'm currently facing.

God brings us to those points, but I must choose to be used. I have to act. I have to be alert and aware to what God wants me to do in the moment. My position, my presence brings me to a point of ministry that only I can do in that moment. I'm not a mindless robot that does whatever it's told. I'm a vessel, an instrument that longs to be used or played by God.

Surrendering or acting in faith is the hard part. It struck me, as I read through these chapters again, that Esther's initial response to the challenge at hand to save her people was to go before God in a season of prayer and fasting seeking His wisdom and involvement. She didn't act alone. She got others to join her before she acted. Then, at risk to her own life, she went before the king without invitation, which was punishable by death. God's hand was on her. Her act of faith saved a nation.

Extending oneself in ministry always requires risk and potential personal sacrifice. It may not cost you your life, but it costs something. It's really risk and reward. You risk something, even if it's just failure, when you act in God's behalf? But the rewards are eternal. Maybe the little thing you do for God may not seem like much. It's impossible sometimes to see the full impact this side of heaven.

God, it's hard to see all the elements of my life coming together for a particular ministry at a particular time. Yet, I know you see the big picture. I know wherever I'm here for such a time as this.