These poignant words were spoken by Mordecai to Esther (his niece), who was now Queen of Persia. She was aware of Haman’s evil plot to eradicate all the Jews in the land, and she knew she needed to share this horrendous plan with her husband, the King. But to go to him unsummoned could mean death to her. She knew she must intercede for her people and in God’s strength she proceeded.
Her Uncle Mordecai was sure of one thing… God would deliver them with or without her… “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). Esther did as God asked her to do and with godly courage she saved her people from complete annihilation.
Our world also is waiting for our “relief and deliverance.” Our hearts are weary as we watch Christians being killed by the thousands for their faith. But we have a Deliverer who has promised to “Keep us from the hour of testing that will come upon the whole world.” That’s deliverance! And He reminded us that “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord will deliver us out of them all.” That’s relief from heartache! (Revelation 3:10, Psalm 34:19)
Just as great promises were given to the Jews and God’s plan for their future, we too have been given glorious promises that we can cling to. “If I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself that where I am there you will be also.” And after we are all Home, “millions of people from every nation, tribe and tongue sing His praises.” Relief and deliverance came! And now we stand in His presence whole, as His bride. (John 14:3, Revelation 7:9)
Rejoice dear ones, our Help is on its way. Soon, Jesus will come in the greatest event since His resurrection, and we will meet Him in the clouds… “and so shall we EVER be with the Lord”
(1 Thessalonians 4:17).
(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)
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