"For Such a Time as This"

Devotion

I have always loved the Book of Esther.   In it, a young Jewish woman rises up to become Queen of Persia.  When her Uncle Mordecai tells her that one of the king's political appointees has hatched a plot to kill all the Jews in the Persian Empire, Esther prays for guidance and plans carefully.  Then, she finds the courage to take decisive action by throwing three banquets for the king, outing herself as a Jew, and begging him to save her people.  Thanks to her, the Jewish people in Persia don't just survive; they thrive. 

The decisions Esther made weren't easy.  A single misstep would have meant her death.  It was tempting for her to keep doing what she was doing and let someone else figure out how to respond to the danger her people faced.  But when she voiced her concerns to Mordecai, he replied, "Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for a such a time as this?"  (Esther 4:14) Mordecai's encouragement proved to be right.  The LORD had given Esther--inexperienced girl that she was--the position, resources, and creativity to do great things, and the time had come to live into her God-given potential.  When she trusted God enough to take some risks, she was able to protect the vulnerable.

Our world is troubled right now.  Although there is a big difference between the threat of genocide and the threat of the COVID-19, we may find ourselves identifying with Esther.  Who among us really  feels prepared to respond to a pandemic?  As both individuals and a society, we worry about making the wrong decisions or taking actions that hurt more than they help.  It is tempting to just keep doing what we've always done in hopes that the danger will miraculously pass.  Or perhaps we find ourselves wanting to retreat into isolation and despair as the world burns around us.

I believe, though, that God has placed us where we are for such a time as this.  This is a time for the Church to be wise and creative and bold.  Because the Church is the great gathering of those called by God, it is relying upon each of us to do our part:

• Some are called to service in the healthcare field.  
• Some are called to provide physical forms of support like picking up groceries for people who are immunosuppressed or helping feed students whose only reliable meals are found at school.
• Some are called to offer financial or emotional support for vulnerable populations.
• Some are called to quarantine themselves in order to preserve the safety of others.
• Some, like me, are called to offer spiritual support and care.
• Some are called to be planners.
• Some are called to be implementers.
• All are called to be something.

Beloved, the world may seem strange, and we may feel uncertain about what to do, but God has prepared for this moment. We can take heart and trust in the Lord.  I invite you to take some time to listen to the song below and ask the Holy Spirit to share God's will for you in the coming days.   When you discover what you are called to do, I hope you find the courage to be like Esther and act.  Whatever God is tasking you with, you have what it takes, and your actions will be enough.  

A Prayer for Discernment

Spirit of Wisdom, even in these troubled times, we trust that you have plan for each of us.  Speak to us this day.  Fill us with the wisdom to figure out what you would have us do.  Grant us the courage and creativity to do it.  Finally, grant us the ability to do it well, so that all the world may come to know the power of your love.  Amen.