Esther 4:14, Hebrews 13:20-21

Ibby Oke looks at what we can learn about fulfilling our purpose from Esther's story.

Ibby Oke

'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 4:14)

Have you ever wondered what your purpose is?

Purpose is not to be confused with passion. Purpose is the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists, while passion is a very strong, powerful feeling about something or a strong belief in something. Purpose is the WHY (you are doing it) and passion is the feeling or emotion that gets you started.

An example of someone in the Bible who fulfilled purpose was Esther; a Jewish exile, an orphan, raised by her cousin, Mordecai but yet chosen as queen. Her past and background didn't determine her future.

The past is not an excuse to stop you from fulfilling God's purpose for your life. Moses was a murderer, but yet God used him to lead the Israelites out of slavery. Rahab was a prostitute but found her way in the lineage of Jesus Christ. God's purpose for your life is not limited by your past!

If you study the book of Esther, you will realise that right from the beginning, Esther obtained favour in the sight of those around her, and eventually the king before she was made queen. Sometimes, we make excuses that we are not equipped for what God has called us for or we are not good enough, but God equips us with everything we need to fulfil purpose, we just need to take that step.

'Now may the God of peace...may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.' (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Esther became queen and things seemed to be going well until Haman had a plan to wipe out all the Jews. In your journey, there will always be someone playing on the offence. Mordecai approached Esther to plead to the king for the Jews. Finally, the purpose for why Esther was made queen was realised. We are all strategically placed where we are for a reason. Esther wasn't made queen for her benefit, she was made queen to save the Jews. Wherever you find yourself, always use your position of influence to make a positive change.

However, Esther wasn't up to the task. She sent word to Mordecai that approaching the king was suicidal and she wasn't ready for that. When it comes to purpose, there will be times when you will have to take risks for the Kingdom of God and fear will creep in. Well, they say, feel the fear and do it anyway!

Mordecai's response to Esther's excuses was truth - '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.'

If you don't do what you are supposed to do, someone else will step up to the task. We shouldn't get carried away or complacent to think we are the only solution to a problem...we are not.

We must be the voice for those who are voiceless. Esther had to be the voice for the Jews.

Sometimes, those around us can help us identify our purpose. Mordecai sparked something in Esther...'Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?' Esther finally understood her purpose for being queen and what she had been called to do.

Understanding the concept of fasting, Esther told all the Jews to fast with her and her maids too. When it comes to fulfilling purpose, fasting and prayer are essential. Certain things won't shift without fasting and praying.

Eventually, Esther found the courage to approach the king; Haman was hanged, and the Jews were saved.

Your character and your relationships are vital to your purpose. You might not necessarily know what your purpose is and that's okay. Your purpose is only revealed in God. So, invest in yourself, build your character and build your relationship with God.

You were made for such a time as this!