Esther 4:14
"And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"
Today's Prayer Focus
- For all of us to fulfill God’s purpose where he has placed us: at work, in our neighborhoods, and in our efforts to seek the peace and blessing of the city.
- For the growth of our presence in Baldwin Park, and for the spiritual receptivity of those who do not yet have a church. Pray specifically for the many who will be moving into the new apartments at Harbor Park.
- For grace and wisdom for all of us to engage a rapidly changing culture.
- For insight to see and seize kairos moments (divine opportunities where God is at work).
"For Such a Time as This"
Mike Tilley
These days, particularly in America, Christians are often alarmed by a culture that is becoming secularized and more at odds with biblical Christianity. But our situation today might pale in comparison to what Queen Esther faced when Haman, a Persian vizier under King Ahaseurus, declared an edict to annihilate the Jews. We need the heart and courage of Mordecai, who saw that Esther was where God placed her, “for such a time as this.”
When we see God’s providence in each person that He has drawn to Lake Baldwin Church over the years, we thank God that he has brought them “for such a time as this.” When we think of 10,000 people living in Baldwin Park, and the new apartments going up right now, we believe that we are here “for such a time as this.” When we see people from LBC touching lives and shining Christ's light throughout the city, we believe that we are here “for such a time as this.”
Each Christian is God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand (Ephesians 2:10). As we pray together today, let’s be reminded that each of us has a place in God’s larger story. Knowing that God has a plan, and knowing that Jesus will build his church, we face a changing world with confident hope. Through eyes of faith, let us see the divine opportunities ahead of us in the coming months.
Mike Tilley is the senior pastor of Lake Baldwin Church, and has lived in Orlando since 1994. He and his wife, Molly, worked with a core group from the Baldwin Park community to plant Lake Baldwin Church in 2006. Mike loves teaching the Bible in a way that relates to real life. In his spare time, Mike enjoys good movies, long dinner with friends, snow skiing, hanging out with his kids and two granddaughters, and travel.