For Such a Time as This
by Maureen Miller
(Esther 4:14, NIV).
Writers walk a scary, even threatening path.
We live in precarious times. Our vital messages of hope in Christ can cost us much. We might waver in our call to write. Sharing our words proves difficult when obedience may threaten friendships, future opportunities, and others’ approval.
Do our words matter?
Esther faced the risk of conveying a message to help her people, as well. In obedience to her adoptive father’s advice, she hid her Jewish heritage when authorities took her into the king’s harem.
Esther continued to demonstrate character when choosing how to face her appearance before the king. She submitted to the eunuch’s recommendations, humbly acknowledging that another knew more than her about matters of outward beauty. Humility served Esther well, and she became Queen of Susa.
When Mordecai discovered an evil plot to destroy the Jews, he urged Esther to go before her husband and plead for her people. The death penalty awaited those who approached the king uninvited, but she again chose to obey her adoptive father. Esther fasted and prayed for three days to birth wisdom and bolster courage. She then committed to boldly petitioning the king, stating, “And if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16b, NIV).
Esther displayed important qualities that we, as Christian writers in an antagonistic world, would do well to emulate.
She demonstrated obedience and humility.
She practiced spiritual disciplines to gain wisdom, and glean courage.
She proclaimed her message with boldness.
Esther heeded her adopted daddy’s words when Mordecai exhorted her, “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (4:14).
Her words turned the tide of impending destruction. Indeed, her words changed the world.
So, too, our words. Directed by the King of Kings, our Abba Father, our Savior and guide, they have unlimited potential. Supernatural power.
Yes, for such a time as this.
Kind Father, help us always write and speak with courage. Amen.
An award-winning author, Maureen Miller is a contributing writer for Guideposts and numerous collaboratives, as well as a featured blogger for several online devotional websites. She enjoys life in its many forms with her husband and their three children and two grandchildren on their hobby homestead in western North Carolina. She blogs at www.penningpansies.com and is finishing her first novel with Redemption Press.
This devotion appeared first (with the title “When Words Changed a Kingdom”) in Lucinda Secrest McDowell’s and Rachel Britton’s anthology (a contender for the 2023 Selah Awards) The Courage to Write (2022).