This Moment In Time
THIS MOMENT IN TIME
Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there 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?
This was a dark time for the Jewish people, as Haman had devised a plan to do away with the Jews because of his hatred for Mordecai. But the best plans of men are no match for the plan God has. Mordecai reminded Esther that she might be where she was for that time. We know that she in fact was as she got a reprieve for her people. I would ask you, have you ever considered that you are where you are for such a time as this? You may be a preacher, teacher, singer, prayer warrior or just sitting on the bench, not really wanting in the game, content to stay where you are. But I think we are all here for God’s purpose today. We know that the world we are living in is not the same one we who are older grew up in. I want you to be encouraged today. There are some things we need to do because we are where we are.
First off let the world see the grace of God in you. I heard Bro Jim McComas preach a message “Has anyone seen Grace?”. How can anyone see grace if it is not through you and I. They can read about it, sing about it, hear sermons about it. But until they see it they will not really understand it. You have to have received the grace of God in order to show it. Grace can be shown in many ways, so let us all start letting the world see grace in us, not the bitterness and hatred that so many are displaying today.
Secondly, we need to stand in our place, wherever that may be. It may be smooth ground or rough, a flat place or a mountain side. We just need to stand.
Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Bro Mike Gillock sent this word of encouragement to pastors the other day. It applies to the layman as well as pastors.
“When I was pastoring in Illinois (2001-2004), I became friends with a Southern Baptist pastor named Dan Lovin. He was also a chaplain with the police/fire departments. He related this story to us!
When 9/11 happened and the emergency crews were called in, they called on many chaplains to come up to New York as well. They took their turns at Ground Zero,different chaplains from many denominations. They told those in charge “We don’t really know what we can do or what to do or say??!” They were told to just stand at a high spot where everyone could see them in their chaplains uniforms! Their instructions from the President were this, “Just stand firm in the place appointed! As long as they can see you there, they have HOPE!” And Bro. Lovin reported that the people would work, removing debris and searching for bodies, and every now and then they would stop and look up at the chaplains, take a deep breath and go back to work!
In this dark hour, God’s people need to see us standing firm in the place appointed”
Judges 7:21 And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.
They just stood in their place and the victory was given.
Thirdly, we need to speak and just not anything. But speak or proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ which is the Gospel.
1Corinthians 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Are you seeing the theme? Show, Stand and Speak, that’s what we need to do in this dark time. Be light and by doing these 3 things we can be.
Have a great day