Chaplains Corner
What if you are here for such a time as this?
Have you ever been in a situation where you knew you were the one who needed to take action, but the risk was great- like even possibly could cost your life?
I’m sure many veterans can relate- whether it be something that happened on deployment or even the choice to join the military. Even if you did not serve in the military, many of us have experienced a time where we had to choose if we were going to act, sometimes in the face of possible danger or risk. And perhaps we were the only ones who could do it.
This is exactly the position a woman named Esther was in. You can read her full story in the book of Esther in the Bible, but the situation was this: she found out Haman (a high ranking person in the kingdom) was planning to kill the Jewish people. She happened to be the wife of the king, who would have the final say on the plan. She also happened to be a Jew herself, which she had not revealed to the king. Esther had many risks to consider: it was punishable by death to approach the king without being asked, if she was revealed as a Jew that could also have dire consequences, and if Haman caught wind of her plan he could possibly take actions of his own.
Esther, as the queen, was the one who was in the position to take action that could make a difference. She had a choice- risk possible death by speaking to the king without an invitation, or stay silent and risk Haman’s plan to kill her fellow Jews go through.
Esther chose to first focus on God with prayer and fasting, and then to approach the king uninvited and risk her life, for the chance to save the people. Not only did the king gladly accept her approach, but heard her and stopped Haman’s plan. And not only was Haman’s plan stopped, but Haman was taken down too, and one of the Jews he specifically planned to execute, named Mordecai (who was also Esther’s relative), was given a high ranking position instead.
God not only protected Esther, but turned the plans for evil around!
This story is celebrated with a holiday called Purim, which was decreed by Queen Esther and Mordecai. Purim is still celebrated and takes place this week. Purim is a remembrance of when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration.
This all happened because God put one person in a position where she was able to make an impact. But it also took that one person being bold and brave to make the choice to risk it all.
In Esther 4:14, Mordecai says to Esther, “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”.
Perhaps where you are right now is a position, a place, a circumstance that you have come into for such a time as this. When a situation arises where you are the one who can make a difference, remember that. God places us where we need to be-whether that’s an actual “position” or job, or something like being at a place at a critical time (and this can be as simple as walking by a person who may be hurting, have a need, or something; nothing is too small to consider!)-but we still have the choice to act at those times. As you go about your day, and as you find yourself in new positions in life-no matter how big or small- remember: What if you are there for such a time as this?
Prayer:
God, remind us that just like Esther, we were called for such a time as this. Make us bold and brave even in the face of danger. Let us be sensitive to your will and way. Let this time be a time of seeing Your good plans prevail even as the wicked scheme and plan. Let this be a time that mourning and suffering are turned into joy and celebration of the good things you are doing. Remind us of your goodness, your sovereignty over all things, and that you are stronger than anything or anyone else, and always working even when we don’t see it. Thank you God for all of the amazing things you are doing that we see and those we can’t see yet. In your name we pray that we see your goodness and that your will be done. Amen.
Prayer Request
Please keep our neighbors in the San Bernardino mountain communities like Lake Arrowhead in prayer. They had a massive amount of snow, about 10-12 feet, which has affected them in several ways. They are not doing well right now. They have some help from the national guard and fire depts, but it’s not enough with many people trapped for several days now, houses catching on fire, and people running out of food or medicine. They are supposed to be getting more snow. Roads are blocked and there are avalanche warnings, so it’s not easy or likely to get to them as an individual. However more help from government or professional resources could really help them. Pray for all of those affected!
If anyone wants to pray together let us know. You could have a need you want prayer for, or we can be praying for overall needs, our post, our leaders, our city, etc. or all of it. Prayer is good for all of it! God hears!
You can submit a prayer request here with as much info as you’re comfortable with: https://form.jotform.com/ChaplainAL43/prayerrequest
You can also reach out directly to chaplain@post43.org if you'd rather do that.
What would you like the chaplains to offer at the post? We would love to hear what would help you all!
Praying for each of you, for our leadership, and for us as a community. May God make His presence known in your personal lives, in our post, and in our community, and may His shalom, love, and joy be felt in ways like never before. May He heal and protect you mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I pray for God’s revival in each person and for us as a community. In His mighty, precious, and unmatched Name we pray.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26
Blessings and Gratitude,
Donna Callaway, Chaplain