Esther was born during the Babylonian Exile. She was an orphan. The king got mad at his queen and Esther became the next queen -- totally an impossible situation But God put her there for that purpose. In the above verses Esther is just worried about herself. Mordeci reminds her that she has an opportunity to do something! To be part of God's plan.
You have the opportunity to do something too right here, right now.
Other examples in the Bibe of this:
Moses -- born in slavery, raised as royalty, called by God at 80.
Joseph -- sold into slavery, rose-fell-rose again; Saved family through forgiveness.
These are People who went through strange times to get to where God used them. The same applies to us!
Wherever you are is where God wants to use you.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,"
Colossians 3:23
"Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats[a]; do not be frightened.”[b] 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." 1 Peter 3:13-16
This is a great set of verses for us today for guidance.
God's going to open a door for you to share. Be ready for that door when it opens. Speak with gentleness and respect.
The danger of silence:
"Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”
40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”" Luke 19:39-40
If we don't do it, it will still happen.
"But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:48
God has had His hand on you your whole life. We cannot ignore this blessing. We as Believers need to do something with this. We are responsible for what God has given us. Honor this. Use it. Tell others.
Is this the world today?
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—" 2 Timothy 3:1-4
It's easy to be fearful. The media wants us to be afraid. The world is not going to be fixed by anyone but Jesus Christ. We are called to represent God and His Love.
So how do we react to the world we live in?
15 "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." Ephesians 5:15-17
We need to live differently than the world. We are here for a reason. Be ready for those opportunities.
Living in the here and now:
"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Romans 14:8
Who cares about what the outcome will be! Just live for the LORD.
According to Opendoors.org, 11 Christians are martyred daily in the world. If they can preach knowing they might be killed, why is holding me back? We can influence the world around us. People are lost and confused. They need what we have.
"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14
This verse comes with a promise.
Will you answer the call today?
8 "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”" Isaiah 6:8
Who's willing to do what God tells them to do? We are here for such a time as this!