One of our most notable presidents is Abraham Lincoln. It was a crucial time in America; the evil of slavery was a scourge on our land and our nation was on the brink of self-destruction. Suddenly, Lincoln was thrust on the scene as president.
Lincoln, although not a staunch abolitionist when he took office, became one. It was Lincoln, and his Republican party, that fought for the 13thamendment of our constitution. Thanks to battles won by General Grant and the Union Army, Lincoln was re-elected and the 13thamendment, which abolished slavery, was ratified and added to our constitution. It could be argued, Lincoln was elevated “for such a time as this.”
Roughly 100 years later, Dr. Martin Luther King continued the fight against racial inequality and injustice in America, leading the civil rights movement in the 1960’s. He fought and stood strong for racial equality for African Americans and all people. Like Lincoln and many others, he was a voice and leader for “such a time as this.”
As I’ve shared the past couple of weeks, when we carry the righteous purposes of God, God grants increased favor for our assignment. Despite evil that arises, God raises leaders who are voices against injustice in every generation. There is a “generation” arising in this hour boldly speaking and acting against injustice in our world.
In fact, we are guaranteed favor because of Jesus Christ
We are completely accepted in him, loved of the Father, never to be rejected again. Our inheritance is in him—increased favor and grace is part of our inheritance.
Consider Paul’s words to the Roman believers, “The same Spirit agrees with our spirit, that we are God’s children. But if we are children, we are also heirs. We are God’s heirs and fellow heirs with Christ, if we really suffer with him so that we can also be glorified with him.”(Rom. 8:16-17 CEB)
We see examples throughout the Bible of people who obtained favor with God and with men: Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Esther, and Mary to name a few.
Favor was increased upon their lives because they carried the heart and purposes of God for their generation and future generations. Favor is for a purpose, and those who will carry God’s purposes in their generation should expect to increase in favor and grace to accomplish the impossible. God grants favor to those he can entrust with purpose. Keep in mind—like us—they weren’t perfect!
Let’s look at Esther closer, she increased in God’s favor “For Such a Time as This.” Her story gives us principles to live by today to impact our world.
Secular news headlines trend negative … there is no shortage of human suffering and conflict in our day. To say that we live in a complex world and challenging time is an understatement. Yet, amid all the adversity in our world, we are here for “Such a Time as This.” Consider what Solomon wrote:
“If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” Eccl. 11:4 TLB
Your kingdom opportunities are now irrespective of the conditions. While there is timing involved, we must live with an expectancy, from divine initiative, to stand for God’s kingdom purposes in our day.
Three Distinct Issues Facing Esther (Esth. 2:1-7)
First, she was an orphan. Her cousin Mordecai adopts Esther.
Esther probably felt alone and abandoned. Perhaps you have felt the same. Know this, Jesus took your aloneness, your rejection, and your abandonment! Paul wrote:
“You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that shows you are adopted as his children. With this Spirit, we cry, “Abba, Father.”No longer an orphan, in a family, Father loves us! (Rom. 8:15 CEB)
Second, Esther was a woman.
At that time, the only advancement for women was through a good marriage, and you needed a good dowry to move “up.” But without parents, this would have been impossible for Esther. Also, women of her day were not educated and considered property even by their husbands—sadly this is still true in parts of our world today. Ladies, we validate you, your giftings, and callings!
Third, Esther was born a Jew.
The Jews were in exile, persecuted, and looked down upon. They were “second-class” citizens. Racism of any nature is abhorrent—it marginalizes people. God sees us as one, and we should see others this way too.
With God, “Your past doesn’t dictate your future!” You are not second-class; your life is hidden in Christ. You have a new family lineage and are part of God’s family now!
Esther’s life changes in a moment—a God of suddenlies! (Esth. 2:8-18)
She’s bathing in the oils, and perhaps for the first time in her life, she feels peace and security. She’s well off now; she literally has gone from rags to riches!
When prosperity, security, and comfort come, there is a danger that we ignore our mandate and the evil that lurks.
The writer of Proverbs states, “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”(Prov. 22:3 NLT)
Meanwhile, Mordecai was trying to get word to Esther of a plot (Esth. 4:1-17)
But, he can’t get through the “walls of comfort”. Like many of us today, Esther forgot that God’s blessings are unto a purpose. God grants us favor for a purpose, that we could be a blessing to others.
The American church is blessed—could it be that we aren’t hearing His voice “for such a time as this”?While it is a complex world and a challenging time to be alive, there are God-given opportunities for the church. But we must see them and act! Paul experienced road-blocks to destiny:
“For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” (1 Cor. 16:9 NKJV) Every opportunity will have some level of opposition and adversity—perseverance is needed.
The biggest difference between those who seize their God-given opportunities and those who don’t is that the man or woman of faith can see an opportunity in every adversity. Adversity breeds miracles.
American church, we have opportunities to impact our nation and the world in this hour. The question is: how will the church respond? In apathy or with action?
Where would we be today in our nation if men like Lincoln and Dr. King, and many others, didn’t fight against the injustice of slavery and racism?
Two things causing Esther not to hear the cause of her hour—perhaps the same for many in the western church
First, Esther was in Denial. She finally felt secure, perhaps she thought to herself, “I don’t want to deal with possibility of danger,” I finally feel safe. Our human desire for security and safety can override our appetite for risk.
Secondly, Esther was Distracted. Like many of us, she became distracted by the blessings of prosperity, she forgot that she was there for a purpose. Comfort and security can be obstacles to destiny fulfilled.
Our safety and security are in Jesus—not the economic or political systems of the world. All the wealth in the world can’t stop natural disasters, wars, or disease.
Guiding verses for us with regards to trust and security: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong. The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall in his own imagination and conceit.” (Prov. 18:10-11 AMPC)
Only Jesus is the name above every name!
Don’t listen to the threats of evil; trust God, and follow him obediently—he is the Great I AM!
5 things that happened to Esther that moved her and changed her
First, she recognized the reality of the situation. Denial was no more. She was focused now.
Genuine faith doesn’t deny the obstacles; it looks at the obstacles and says “but with God, all things are possible!”
Somewhere between Esther 4:14 and 15, Esther awakens! God is sovereign, but he invites us to partner with him to bring heaven’s realm, rule, to earth. The Psalmist writes:
“The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s; But the earth He has given (or assigned) to the children of men.”(Psalm 115:16)
There is an Esther church arising, who know they are loved, adopted, and secure to follow God obediently for his purposes.
Second, she didn’t ask advisors “How much money do we have, or can we get the military, etc?”
She cried out, called for a corporate prayer and fast. Brought word from heaven’s courts to earth’s atmosphere! “You don’t know the truth of any situation until you have heard from Jesus!” Prayer that moves heaven is passionate, bold and courageous.
Esther knew that she needed to hear from God and pray from Heaven to Earth.
Third, she received divine strategy and favor.
Esther said to the King and Haman, “Can I invite you to dinner?” She got heaven’s strategy. God then moved and wicked governor Hamann was executed and the plot overturned to bring disaster upon the Jews.
“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever…”(Deut. 29:29 NKJV)
You need heaven’s strategy. Learn how to hear his voice, learn how to receive the direction of heaven. This is where faith builds in the heart—if you can “see it, you can have it!” God is mobilizing his church in this hour—giving strategy to those who are seeking him.
Fourth, recognize your moment.
“…I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”(Esth. 4:16 NKJV) She recognized her moment, her role for her people.
She had to make a decision which kingdom she would obey. She had to recognize the moment, the opportunity and risk her safety, status, and comfort.
Breakthrough is never achieved by those with no passion and purpose! Opportunities are never taken by the faint of heart.
For some of you, it’s not a choice between good and evil; but rather risk and normalcy! Why be normal?! To walk on water, you must risk! Better to be a “wet water walker than a dry boat sitter!”
Jesus said, “Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24 NKJV)
To be his disciple implies risk, not self-perseveration. Security and opportunity rarely co-exist. Jesus calls us to “risk-based” discipleship—the opposite of comfort and security!
Einstein stated, “Only the one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason, mastery or success demands all of a person.”
You are in a place of opportunity, a door is opening before you, and there is risk and possibly opposition. Will you go through boldly, courageously and with Passion?! Your moment is now to realize your future and impact the world.
Fifth, Have Great Courage.
Esther said, “If I perish, I perish!” She doesn’t respond to the atmosphere but dictates the atmosphere through bold faith and action.
This is not a time to fear and stay on the “sidelines,” but a time to respond in courage and faith to the challenges that face us to change our world through radical Kingdom living and service.
You are an able-bodied minister of Christ—where are you serving?
It’s time to have bold courage for our families and society. Dictate Kingdom reality! Esther’s risk confirmed that God was the source of her security.
How much of your security lies in your possessions, position, or reputation? God has not placed you in your present position just for your own benefit, but to co-labor with Him. Yes, God loves you and wants to bless you, but the blessing is also unto a purpose.
Like Esther, this may involve risking your security, sacrificing your comfort, your plans, etc. Are you willing to let God be your ultimate security—for such a time as this?
Can you give God the best of your time, talents, and treasure?
We are alive in our generation for “Such a Time as This.” Like Esther, we have amazing opportunities before us, in the midst of a complex and challenging world.
To go through the doors of opportunity before you, you must be able to discern them, have the faith and courage to go through the doors, and never give up! Keep pressing; keep believing for the dream and vision to be realized.
Churchill said, “The nose of a bulldog is slanted backwards so he can continue to breathe without letting go!” That’s persistence and it’s a vital aspect of faith.
Esther needed to return to her first love, her love of God.
She had to be reminded that the blessing and favor she had entered was for a purpose.
How about you? Is God #1 in your life, is Jesus the center of your love and affection? Are you willing to risk it all to follow him wholeheartedly in this hour?
For a more in-depth look at this topic, watch the Passion Church message “For Such a Time as This“:
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