Be Watchful, Be Willing
God Can Use You Today
In the hustle and noise of everyday life, it’s easy to become distracted or even numb to the opportunities God places before us. Between responsibilities, routines, and personal fears, we may unknowingly ignore moments to serve Him. But Scripture is filled with examples of individuals who were positioned for a specific purpose—and who had to choose whether or not to act. The story of Esther and Mordecai offers a powerful lesson in readiness, courage, and encouragement to fulfill God's will.
Esther's Dilemma: The Battle Between Fear and Faith
When Mordecai learned of the plan to destroy the Jews, he turned to Queen Esther. She was in a unique position to act, but fear gripped her heart. Her first response was logical and human:
“All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death…” – Esther 4:11, NKJV
Her fear was not unfounded. She could lose her life. Yet, Mordecai’s response cut through her hesitation:
“Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:14, NKJV
Esther ultimately decided to act, choosing faith over fear. She responded, “…if I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16). Her bravery saved a nation—but only after she was urged and reminded of her purpose.
Mordecai’s Wisdom: Encouraging Others to Act
We often focus on Esther’s courage, but we must not overlook Mordecai’s role. He recognized the divine opportunity before Esther. He didn’t keep silent or coddle her fear—he lovingly challenged her to see God’s purpose in her position.
Sometimes we might not be the one in the position to act, but we see that someone else is. In those moments, do we speak up and encourage them like Mordecai did? Or do we sit back quietly, afraid to rock the boat?
“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” – Proverbs 27:17, NKJV
Encouraging one another to serve the Lord is just as vital as doing the work ourselves.
Always at the Ready
The Christian life is not passive—it’s active and alert. Paul wrote:
“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” – 2 Timothy 4:2, NKJV
“Be ready”—because the opportunity may come when we least expect it. Like Esther, we may face risk or rejection. Like Mordecai, we may be called to stir someone else to action. But in every case, we must keep our eyes open and our hearts tuned to God's calling.
Don’t Miss the Moment
God still places people in certain situations “for such a time as this.” Whether you are the one with the opportunity or the one who sees it in someone else, don’t let fear, distraction, or passivity keep you from doing God’s will.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58, NKJV
Let us be steadfast and always at the ready—to serve, to speak up, and to be used by God.