FOR A TIME SUCH AS THIS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Esther 4:14
"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall 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?"
Supporting Texts: Esther 4:12-16, Daniel 11:32, 1 Chronicles 12:32, Jeremiah 29:11, Acts 17:26-27
INTRODUCTION:
God’s divine timing is always perfect. He places individuals in specific situations at precise moments to fulfill His greater purpose. In the book of Esther, we find the story of a young Jewish woman who rises to a position of power for a reason far beyond her own understanding. She was placed in the royal palace "for such a time as this." This moment of destiny changed the fate of a nation, and it reminds us that God has orchestrated every part of our lives with purpose.
For every believer, there are moments of divine opportunity when God calls us to act decisively for His glory. Whether in leadership, service, or even in quiet acts of faith, we must be prepared to step into our destiny when the time comes. We must recognize that we, too, are where we are for a time such as this.
Understanding the significance of divine timing allows us to embrace the challenges we face and respond to the call of God with confidence. We are not accidents in God’s plan, and everything in our lives is for a reason, to impact His kingdom in a way that only we can.
1. DIVINE PLACEMENT FOR A PURPOSE
God’s sovereign will places us in the right place at the right time.
a) Our position is not by chance.
God ordains our steps and places us where we can fulfill His purpose (Psalm 37:23).
b) We are strategically positioned to influence others.
God uses our positions for His kingdom advancement (Matthew 5:14-16).
c) God’s timing is never early or late.
He knows exactly when to bring about change (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
d) Even difficult situations serve a divine purpose.
Hardships prepare us for our appointed time (Romans 8:28).
Biblical Example: Esther’s rise to the palace for the deliverance of the Jews (Esther 4:14).
2. RECOGNIZING THE CALL TO ACTION
When God calls us, we must be ready to act in faith.
a) God’s call may come unexpectedly.
We must be alert and prepared for divine opportunities (Isaiah 6:8).
b) Courage is necessary to respond to the call.
Like Esther, we must step forward, even in fear (Esther 4:16).
c) Responding to God’s call requires self-sacrifice.
We may have to give up personal comfort for the sake of His will (Luke 9:23).
d) Timing is key; delayed obedience could be costly.
We must act when God opens the door (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Biblical Example: Moses answering the call to deliver Israel from Egypt (Exodus 3:10).
3. STANDING FIRM IN THE FACE OF OPOSITION
Opposition is often a sign we are on the right path.
a) Obedience to God’s will attracts resistance.
The enemy will always oppose our divine assignment (1 Peter 5:8).
b) God strengthens us in the face of challenges.
His grace is sufficient for every trial (2 Corinthians 12:9).
c) The outcome of obedience is always greater than the opposition.
Faithful obedience leads to victory (Romans 8:31).
d) God goes ahead of us, preparing the way.
We do not fight alone; God is with us (Exodus 14:14).
Biblical Example: Nehemiah’s determination to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem despite opposition (Nehemiah 4:1-6).
4. THE CONSEQUENCES OF IGNORING GOD’S TIMING
Choosing not to act when called can have serious consequences.
a) The opportunity may pass us by.
If we fail to act, God will raise up others (Esther 4:14).
b) We miss the chance to fulfill our purpose.
God desires to use us for His glory (Ephesians 2:10).
c) Delay can bring loss to others.
Our inaction can negatively impact those we are called to serve (Jonah 1:17).
d) There are consequences for disobedience.
Not responding to God’s call leads to consequences (1 Samuel 15:23).
Biblical Example: The story of Jonah’s delay in obeying God’s call to Nineveh (Jonah 1:1-3).
5. EMBRACING THE DIVINE OPPORTUNITY
We must recognize and step into the divine opportunities God gives us.
a) Trust God’s plan, even when it is unclear.
Faith is necessary to embrace the unknown (Proverbs 3:5-6).
b) God equips us for the task He gives.
He provides everything we need for the journey (Philippians 4:19).
c) We can rely on His strength, not our own.
God gives us the power to accomplish His will (Philippians 4:13).
d) Our obedience leads to divine reward.
Faithfulness results in God’s blessing and promotion (Luke 19:17).
Biblical Example: David’s anointing and victory over Goliath, which was a moment in time for divine purpose (1 Samuel 17:45-50).
CONCLUSION:
We are not accidents; each of us is strategically placed by God for a time such as this. There are moments in life when God opens doors and calls us to step out in faith, just as He did with Esther. These moments may come with risks, challenges, and opposition, but we must trust that God’s plans are always good and that His timing is perfect.
As we recognize and respond to the divine opportunities before us, we position ourselves to fulfill God’s purpose in our generation. May we have the courage to stand firm and act, knowing that our lives have eternal significance.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, open my eyes to see the opportunities You have placed before me.
2. Father, give me the boldness and courage to step into my divine assignment.
3. Help me to trust Your timing and follow Your lead, no matter the challenges.
4. May I fulfill the purpose for which You have placed me on this earth.
5. Strengthen me in times of opposition and help me to stand firm in faith.
