“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

PERHAPS THIS IS THE MOMENT

By now, you’ve heard the story about MLB umpire John Tumpane saving a woman’s life on the Roberto Clemente Bridge in Pittsburgh on Wednesday afternoon. When reflecting on the experience of saving a woman from committing suicide, he said, “In the right place at the right time….I just happened to be there.” He knelt beside the woman, comforted her, and prayed for her.

Esther 4:14 – in the context of Mordecai trying to convince Esther to speak to the king about the plot to kill the Jews – has been adapted and used in a variety of ways, and it is commonly translated and used in Bible verse décor and Scripture wall art as, “Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created.”

Tumpane’s heroic act reminds us that where we are in life is where we need to shine and make the most of whatever the circumstances are. Like him, perhaps we are “in the right place at the right time,” even if we don’t want to be where we are.

The job you hate so much? Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created: to shine at your work place and grow in your skills.

The temptation that continues to attack you? Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created: to find that way out and resist the devil, so he will flee from you (James 4:7).

The storm of life that is drowning you? Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created: to look to Jesus, the only one who can calm it in HIS time.

The friend or family member who has decided to give up on God? Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created: to be merciful, loving, and patient.

Your marriage that is hanging by a thread? Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created: to pray for your spouse, your marriage, and for your heart to be renewed.

No matter what is going on right now, perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created: to give all glory to God the Father in heaven (Romans 15:6).

– Daniel Matthews