For such a time as this

I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish! — Esther 4:16

When Sha’Ri Eggum was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, doctors told her that only a bone marrow transplant from a blood relative could save her life. Complicating matters, Eggum, 32, was adopted and didn’t know anything about her biological family. But a private investigator tracked down her brother, Mike Ford, who was a perfect match. Today, Eggum’s leukemia is in remission. Ford was the right person for the right moment.

The book of Esther tells another story of love, sacrifice, and God’s timing. Mordecai, a Jew in exile, refused to bow to Haman, second in command to King Xerxes. Haman became furious and plotted to destroy Mordecai and all the Jews. So Haman deceived the king and persuaded him to issue an edict condemning the Jews to death. When Mordecai told his cousin Queen Esther about the edict, he urged her to intervene. “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” he said (v. 14). Approaching the king uninvited was punishable by death. But Esther seized the moment to save her people!

When we are able to rescue others, we should do so at all costs. Ask God for His direction and act! He may have placed you here “for such a time as this.” — Marvin Williams                              

O for a faith that will not shrink

Though pressed by many a foe,

That will not tremble on the brink

Of any earthly woe. — Bathurst

READ: Esther 4:10-17

Courage is not the absence of fear — it is the mastery of it.

The Bible in one year:

• 1 Chronicles 7-9

• Proverbs 25:15-28