Why ‘ifiperish’?

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NKJV

The words spoken by Mordecai to Esther have a profound resonance for today’s believer. Just as Esther was positioned at the right place, at the right time, to make a difference for her people, so too are we. God has placed each one of us where we are for a reason—whether it’s in our homes, our workplaces, our communities, or our churches. The question is, will we step into our role when the call to action comes?

Just as Esther had a royal position, we, too, have been given spiritual authority and influence, not by our own merit, but by God’s divine grace. That influence may not be in a palace or in front of kings, but in the lives of the people around us. In our workplaces, in our families, and in our friendships, we are called to be agents of change, reflectors of Christ’s love, and messengers of the gospel.

But like Esther, we are often faced with a choice: Will we step forward and fulfill the calling, even if it’s uncomfortable, risky, or challenging? Our courage in those moments isn’t rooted in our own strength, but in the assurance that God is with us, and His purposes will prevail—whether we choose to be a part of it or not. Mordecai’s words remind us of the sovereignty of God and the importance of our obedience. There is a greater purpose for our lives, and we have a role to play in it.

God may be calling us to stand up for the voiceless, to speak truth in the face of injustice, or to reach out to someone in need of His love. But in doing so, we must be willing to set aside our fear, our insecurities, and our desire for comfort. In the same way Esther did not remain silent for the sake of her position or comfort, we, too, must be willing to rise up when the time is right.

As believers, we are not called to walk this journey alone. Esther didn’t face the decision to intervene on her own—she had Mordecai, who reminded her of her purpose, and the Jewish community who fasted and prayed with her. Similarly, we need a community of believers who walk alongside us in faith, strengthening each other, praying for each other, and holding one another accountable.

In this age, more than ever, the body of Christ needs to be united in its pursuit of God’s mission. The journey we are called to is not a solo mission—it’s a collective one. When one of us struggles, we lift them up. When one of us excels, we rejoice and give thanks. When one of us is called to take a stand, we stand with them. Together, we are stronger. Together, we can push through the obstacles of this world and bring the light of Christ into the darkest corners.

A community of believers “on fire for Jesus” is a force to be reckoned with. Just as the early church was filled with believers who were bold, passionate, and unified in their mission, so too must we be in our own time. We are living in a world that desperately needs the hope, truth, and love that only Christ can bring. And we, as a unified body, are the vessels through which this transformation can occur.

There is something about walking with a community that is on fire for Jesus. It’s contagious. When one believer is fired up, the rest of the body catches the flame. The fire of the Holy Spirit is meant to ignite not just our own hearts, but the hearts of those around us. As we boldly proclaim the gospel, stand firm in our faith, and live out the love of Christ in tangible ways, we invite others to join in that fire. It becomes a blaze that cannot be ignored.

The importance of being on fire for Jesus is twofold: First, it fuels our personal growth, helping us to overcome the struggles of this world, and second, it creates an environment where the power of the Holy Spirit is evident, where miracles happen, and where the lost are found. A community on fire for Jesus doesn’t just sit idly by; it is active, dynamic, and always moving forward in the mission of the Kingdom.

Just as Esther was divinely positioned in a moment of history to make a difference, we, too, are placed in this moment of history for a purpose. Each of us has a “such a time as this” moment. It could be a conversation, an opportunity to serve, a chance to stand for what is right, or a bold act of love. The question is: Are we ready to rise up when called?

The time is now. The world is desperate for the hope that only Jesus offers. We, as the body of Christ, have the responsibility to be His hands and feet, to speak His truth in love, and to be unashamed of the gospel. The journey is not easy, but we are not alone. We walk together, strengthened by our faith in God, encouraged by our community, and driven by a shared passion to make His name known.

God has placed us here, at this time, for a reason. Will we answer the call?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *