God’s Strategic Placement

Esther 4:14 marks a defining moment in Esther’s life. Up until this moment, Esther has kept her Jewish identity quiet. She has found favor with the king and enjoys the comforts of the palace. But when a royal decree orders the extermination of all Jews in the Persian Empire—including her own people—a crisis erupts. Esther must now decide whether to risk her life by speaking up or remain silent and hope someone else takes action. It was a moment of truth. Would she remain in comfort or embrace her calling by speaking up for her people? Would she play it safe or step out in faith?

True bravery does not mean absence of fear; it means moving forward despite it. Esther faced a life-or-death decision. She could approach the king uninvited—a punishable offense, even for a queen—or remain silent and risk losing everything: her position, her safety, even her life. Yet despite all this, she chooses courage.

Mordecai’s challenge in Esther 4:14 shifts the focus from fear to purpose: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Mordecai reminds Esther that her influence was no accident. Her beauty, crown and status were not merely blessings for personal comfort, they were tools for a divine mission. She was strategically placed by God, and her privilege came with responsibility.

We may not be official queens or kings, but God has placed each of us in positions of influence. If you are a teacher, you’re a missionary in the classroom. If you are a nurse, you’re a healer acting with compassion. If you are a student, you’re an ambassador for your generation. If you are a parent, you’re influencing souls for eternity. 

Let’s remember Esther’s approach. She didn’t rush into the king’s presence recklessly. She prepared spiritually, asking her Jewish brethren to fast and pray with her, recognizing this was a spiritual battle. It was a declaration of complete surrender to God’s will. Her brave action was not merely human resolve but divine dependence.

In the end, her choice saved a nation and made her a symbol of hope, courage and deliverance for generations to come. Esther’s bravery not only saved lives but revealed what God can do when someone fully embraces their divine assignment.

We live in a world that presents similar situations. Though lives may not depend on our choices, our actions can influence others for eternity. We may need to be reminded, as Esther was, that we are not spectators. Each of us has a calling. The world desperately needs brave Esthers—men and women, young and old—who will say, “Yes, Lord. I will go. I will speak. I will stand.” This is our time. This is our moment. We were born for such a time as this. We are chosen. We are called.

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By Lee-Roy Chacon

President

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