Waiting for Such a Time as This

Waiting for Such a Time as This

by Sharron K. Cosby

 

“Then he sent back an answer. He said, ‘You live in the king’s palace. But don’t think that just because you are there you are the only Jew who will escape. What if you don’t say anything at this time? Then help for the Jews will come from another place. But you and your family will die. Who knows? It’s possible that you became queen for a time just like this’”

(Esther 4:13-14, NIRV).

Esther, one of my favorite Bible characters, lived out the classic orphan-girl-makes-it-big story. She proved more than another pretty face chosen to please King Xerxes. God tapped her to save the Jewish nation from destruction. But there’s more to her story.

Rereading the familiar passages struck me with a theme I’d never noticed before—waiting. The various characters waited on someone or something to push the story toward its conclusion. Xerxes waited for the collection and grooming of a fresh group of young virgins. Esther waited for the king to summon her twice to his bed chamber. Haman waited for a promotion. The Jews waited for annihilation.

Esther balked at risking her life to save the Jewish people. Her cousin advised her that refusal to act wouldn’t save her and God could choose another in her place. Esther approached the king unbidden and waited for him to lower his scepter.

Writers also face anxious decisions and waiting. We wait for inspiration, contracts, and readers.

As Christian writers, we bear God-given words for a lost and hurting world. We face a responsibility to fashion and polish these messages for our readers. After receiving his inspiration, we choose whether to step forward and obey our calling as writers.

As Mordecai encouraged Esther, your words can bring hope to others. Someone, somewhere, needs to hear your story, be inspired by your devotional, or meet the characters in your novel.

If we don’t follow the Holy Spirit’s promptings, God will select someone else to pen his message. Let’s not balk at the calling and wait longer than God intends. We became writers for a time just like this.

Dear Father, may we be like Esther. Help us be willing to wait on your summons and then to step out in faith to share the message. Amen.

 

 

 

Sharron Cosby is a proud Alabama native transplanted in the sands of Florida. Sharron is an award-winning author and loves speaking to groups on her family’s journey through addiction, although she can address other topics. Her book, Praying for Your Addicted Loved One: 90 in 90, is a devotional for families who love an addict. Connect with Sharron at www.SharronCosby.com