Some Thoughts from Tim Hegg
As we come to the Festival of Purim, our thoughts turn once again to the evident hand of HaShem in history and the manner in which He is working all things together to bring about His purposes—the summing up of all things in Yeshua our Messiah (Eph 1:10). The story of Esther reminds us that though the world around us may appear to be out of control, if we are willing to live by faith and not by sight, we know differently. Our faith lays hold of the reality which otherwise we could not know.
One of the central lessons we rehearse once again at Purim is the way in which HaShem chooses to use individuals to bring about His purposes. Hadassah (Esther), an orphan being cared for by her cousin, Mordecai, could never have imagined that she would play such a strategic role in the history of her people. Yet God, in His magnificent providence, used her to orchestrate the deliverance of His people at a decisive moment in our history.
Mordecai understood that God is pleased to use people who are simply willing to say "yes" to Him and entrust their daily lives to His leading. When Hadassah honestly questioned whether she would be able to approach the king with her request, Mordecai gave her encouragement by reminder her of two important things. First, he told her that God's purposes will always be accomplished—that He will use people who are willing to rely wholly upon His strength and do what they otherwise would be unable to do. Second, he told Hadassah that her current position within the royal court should be accepted as God's plan to use her in a way that would change the course of history: “And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
Have you considered what God might do through you as you give yourself fully to a reliance upon Him and a willing obedience to His leading? Perhaps current events have caused you fear or discouragement, or even to question whether God is in control! As we consider the fragile nature of world economies, the rise of terrorism and anti-Semitism, the devastation brought about by earthquakes and tsunamis, we are called once again, like Hadassah, to trust in the Almighty, to walk in His righteous ways, and to be ready and willing to be used of Him in whatever way He directs.
Yes, we live in turbulent times, but we also live in a time when can expect great things as God enables us to do His work, His way. As we rejoice and celebrate the victory God gave to our people through Mordecai and Hadassah, may our faith be strengthened to serve Him wholly, in our families, our work place, our neighborhoods, and our communities. He has called each of us to Himself for such a time as this!
