For Such a Time as This
Kris Brenes
Part of It's Time
May 10, 2021

God is at work beneath the surface.

  • Just because God’s work is unseen doesn’t mean He’s inactive.

Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died. —Esther 2:7

In Esther, we see the beautiful relationship between…

  • God’s divine Providence – God at work beneath the surface
  • Human responsibility – Esther’s willingness to do what God was asking her to do

Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. —Esther 2:17

“All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.” —Est 4:11

…he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” —Esther 4:13-14

…I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” —Esther 4:16

Things Esther might tell us…

  • God uses both “Mordecais” and “Esthers”.
  • Your availability is more important than your history and ability.
  • God has been preparing you whether you recognize it or not.
  • God’s preparation must be partnered with your cooperation.

…for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? —Romans 10:13-14

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. —1 John 3:16

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Connect

Share about a season when you looked at your life and wondered, “What is God doing?”

Let’s Talk About It

Above the surface, the situation looked hopeless for Esther and the Jewish people. But beneath the surface, God was working through an unlikely person to save His people. God is at work beneath the surface of your life preparing you to fulfill His greater purpose. Your availability is more important than your history and ability. God’s preparation of us must be partnered with our cooperation. As you follow Esther’s example, take a courageous step.

Esther 1-10; Romans 10:13-14; 1 John 3:16

  • Which part of the message made an impact, caught your attention, or challenged you?

  • Read Esther 2:5-7, 17. God prepared and positioned Esther for this moment. How have you seen God at work preparing you? What are some of the common excuses you make or lies you believe that hinder you from what God has for you?

  • Read Esther 4:11. God is at work beneath the surface to accomplish His purpose. What emotions does “the unknown” stir in you? How can you navigate through the unknown to discover and embrace God’s purpose?

  • Read Esther 4:13-16. God will always lead you to things that require you to use your faith and take a courageous step. Describe a moment where you made a decision that took courage. What motivated you to take that necessary step?

  • A common question that people ask is, “What is my purpose?” This question centers on our lives, instead of on God’s plan for our life. What does it look like for you to partner with God in the future He has created for you, and not one that you have created on your own?

Take a Step

  • What opportunities may God have for you? This week pray about how to begin to move forward and decide what your next step is.

SOAP reading:

  • Day 1: 2 Samuel 18, Matthew 27, Psalm 56
  • Day 2: 2 Samuel 19-20, Matthew 28, Psalm 55
  • Day 3: 2 Samuel 21-23, 1 Thessalonians 1
  • Day 4: 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21, 1 Thessalonians 2, Psalm 30
  • Day 5: 1 Chronicles 22-24, 1 Thessalonians 3
  • Day 6: 1 Chronicles 25-27, 1 Thessalonians 4
  • Day 7: 1 Kings 1, 1 Chronicles 28, 1 Thessalonians 5, Psalm 91

Here’s My Prayer

Father, thank You that you are always at work in the world and in my life, even when I can’t see it. I trust You to lead me and I surrender to You. You are a good God who works out everything in accordance with Your perfect will. Help me to cooperate with what You’re doing and not shy away from Your work in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen