Est 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

When the decree of king Ahasuerus was proclaimed throughout the kingdom, Mordecai put on sackcloth and sat at the palace gates mourning (v.1). Esther heard Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate in sackcloth. A Persian law states that no one was allowed to enter the king’s gate dressed in sackcloth (v.2). Perhaps fearing for her cousin’s life, she sent clothes for Mordecai to put on; but he refused to take them (v.4). Mordecai told her what had happened and how Haman had arranged for the slaughter of the Jewish people. He asked Esther to go to the king and plead for the lives of her own people. But, there was a problem! The problem is that no one could approach the king without being sent for; not even the queen. If Esther went in to Ahasuerus without permission, she could be put to death. When Mordecai was told this, he reminded Esther that she too would be killed along with every other Jew in the empire, and if she wouldn’t do it, he said help would come from somewhere else. He said further: “And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (v.14b). For such a time as this? - Mordecai had a confidence that deliverance would come by some means. It shows his faith in God that He would never abandon His people. He told Esther God would certainly send a deliverer. And, he posed this question to her: “And who knows, maybe you have been chosen to be the queen for such a time as this” (v.14b, ERV). It certainly was a thought provoking question that deserved attention. Esther did not apply to be the queen of Persia. She wouldn’t even qualify if they had known she was a Jew. Yet, she was queen; how was it possible? There can only be one answer: Divine Providence! We are reminded of the words of Jesus in Matthew 19:26: “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” The only answer to Mordecai’s question is: God put Esther in that position for a purpose. God had raised her to this honour for this very season. Esther was moved! Mordecai knew that God had placed Esther in that position for a purpose. And, Esther must have the courage and wisdom to see that reason and fulfil it. And, she did: “And so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish” (v.16). Every one of us should consider for what end God has put us in the place where we are. Why am I here? Am I here for a purpose? What is the purpose? God puts you and I in a place for a reason, and we need the courage and wisdom to see that reason and to walk in it. That place may be good: it could be wealth. God makes you wealthy; use it to glorify God: “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share” (1 Timothy 6:17, 18, ESV). God makes you poor; use your poverty to glorify God. Teach others who are poor how to trust in God and be content: “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).                                                                         Remember this: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17a). God has put us in a certain position for a purpose. Therefore, when an opportunity offers of serving God and our folks, we must take care not to let it slip. Be courageous like Esther!