Racial divides. Political strife. Uncertain futures. Challenging times. This is the story of our day. But it is also the story of the Jewish exiles in Persia. The Jewish people had been taken from their homeland. They were being pressured to conform to foreign customs. They were facing discrimination. Now, an edict was being issued that would stamp out the Jewish race forever. Everything seemed to be falling apart for God's people.But then two figures emerge on the scene . . . and everything changes. Mordecai and Esther are unlikely heroes of the tale. Both had spent the bulk of their lives trying to fit in and conform to the Persian ways. But both experience a turning pointedash;a crucial moment where they each chose to step up and take a stand for the God they served. As a result of their courageous actions, winter turned to springtime for God's people. They emerged from the crisis stronger, more unified, and more committed to serving the God of their forefathersddash;even in their exile.The promise for God's people in the book of Esther is the same promise that we have today. Our God triumphs in troubled times. When it seems as if everything is falling into pieces, he is working in our midst, causing everything to fall into place. The very one who seeks to destroy us will be destroyed. Even when it appears that evil has won, and that there is no hope for our future, we can know God's throne is still occupied. We will triumph in the end.So, the question for us today is not whether God will show up on the scene. Instead, the question is whether you will choose to be a part of it when he does. Will you, like Mordacai and Esther, realize you are a position "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14) God is calling you to rise up in these chaotic times. You were made for this moment.Designed for use with You Are Made for This Moment Study Guide (sold separately).
