Waiting for Such a Time as This by Sharron K. Cosby

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 lived out the classic orphan-girl-makes-it-big story. Although King Xerxes chose her among a harem full of contestants, Esther’s significance exceeded her beauty. God tapped her to save the Jewish nation from destruction. A closer look at her life shares deep lessons for ours.

Rereading the book of Esther revealed a theme I had never noticed in its pages before—waiting. Various people in the passages waited on others to deliver an anticipated outcome. Xerxes waited for the collection and grooming 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.

In the brief interval before imminent genocide, Esther deliberated on how to respond. Though she balked at risking her life to save the Jewish people, her cousin advised her that inaction wouldn’t save her. He also indicated that God could choose another in her place. Esther chose to approach the king unbidden and waited for him to lower his scepter.

Our call to write involves more than gathering beautiful words and pursuing a successful place in the market. We also face anxious decisions and waiting. We wait for inspiration, contracts, and readers. As we struggle through these challenges, insecurity can tempt us to abandon our calling.

As Christian writers, our words can bring hope to a perishing world. Someone, somewhere, needs to hear our stories, devotions, and insights. We face a responsibility to fashion and polish these messages for our readers. After receiving the Lord’s inspiration, we choose whether to step forward and obey our calling as writers.

If we don’t follow the Holy Spirit’s promptings, God will select someone else to pen his message. Let’s not balk at our duty and wait longer than God intends. The Lord appointed us as writers for such a time as 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 to the sands of Florida. She is an award-winning author and loves speaking about her family’s journey through addiction and other hope-filled 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

* Throwback Post: Celebrating Seven Years of Inkspirations Online!

**A previous version of this post was published in Inkspirations Online in January of 2020.

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