Such A Time As This

My children and I have been reading the book of Esther for the past 2 weeks in school.  Even though we all know the story well we have enjoyed hearing it again and it's funny how you notice things you'd forgotten.  For instance, (and this is a minor detail but interesting) how many times have you heard Mordecai referred to as Esther's uncle?  Did you know he was actually her cousin!  (Esther 2:7)  Also, did you know that God's name is not mentioned at all in this book of the Bible?  He is certainly present though!

One scene I find interesting is when Mordecai, through Esther's eunuch, relay's to her Haman's plan to kill all the Jews.  Mordecai asks Esther to go to the king and plead for the lives of their people. When Esther mildly objects stating that she has not been called by the king and could therefore be put to death, Mordecai tells her

"Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for [such] a time as this?" (Esther 4:13-14, emphasis added)

I love Mordecai's absolute trust in God!  He is certain that the Jews will be saved by God and points out to Esther that this may be the reason God has elevated her to the position of queen.  He encourages her to use her position and, by his example, trust God for deliverance.  Esther's response is perfect, she prepares to do what Mordecai has asked and requests that the people fast and pray for her for 3 days.  Her faith evidenced by her statement "if I perish, I perish." (Esther 4:16)

Of course, we know the end, Esther was used by God to preserve His people.  She had the courage to be used by God in the place that He placed her.  What would God have us to do in the place/situation we are in?