What Does it Mean to be Born for Such a Time as This?

The phrase "born for such a time as this" from Esther's story has become popular among believers. It sounds inspiring and implies a greater purpose. 

In Esther 4:14, Mordecai says to Esther:

"Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" (NIV)

However, after listening to a family member's experience, I realized that being born for such a time comes with difficulties, pain, rejection, and loss. It's easy to question our stand and faith. It ranges from facing crises for a destiny ordained marriage God directed you to; experiencing business stagnation to several other challenges. 

Being born for such a time doesn't just bring crowns; it often requires leaving familiar environments and navigating unfamiliar situations. It stretches us, placing our lives on the sacrificial table. We may doubt God's voice and our faithfulness.

But here's the truth: God creates ministers for each season, equipping them to navigate challenges. The enemy may resist, but God knows we have the strength to face these moments. Trials, pains, and rejections will come, but God works everything for our good.

Even after Esther kept winning the initial victories, the enemy didn't give up. We must persevere with the "if I perish, I perish" mentality, trusting that God won't lead us to a dead end. We were born for such a time, and though the path may be dreary, remember that God's "dead end" is often a doorway to another path.

Always remember, Stay Revived!

By Guest Writer.

Bounds: Whom Christ has set free is free indeed.

I've never been physically bound, but I dislike closed spaces, which makes me feel claustrophobic. I consider that a kind of bind. Last year, I experienced a different kind of bind when my mental health was attacked by the enemy. In an instant, I struggled with suicidal attempts, depression, and fragmented thoughts.

Today, as I reflect on those moments, I understand freedom from the perspective of the Son of Man's liberty. We don't need to be war victims to experience bondage. Since we live in a spiritual world that transcends the physical, the enemy can claim access to our lives for various reasons.

However, God's Word clearly states, "Who the Son sets free is free indeed" (John 8:36). If Christ became bound on the cross so I can experience freedom, then I am grateful He is mine. The Son of Man has indeed set me free.

I've come to realize the extent of the enemy's tactics to keep us in darkness. The enemy doesn't stop because he's exhausted but because he has left us lifeless. He imposes limitations on our marriages, finances, children, jobs, health, careers, and businesses.

But today, we say no more. We claim our authority and declare, "We are the authority here." We acknowledge the enemy's limitations and strategies, but we see God, who has declared us free.

My friend, here's God's reminder to you: whom God has set free is free indeed. Insist on your liberty today. I am free indeed, in Christ I am free.

Stay Revived!

By Guest Writer.

EFFICACY OF PRAYER: Experiencing God's Presence and Power"

Very recently, I had a conversation with a colleague about prayer. He shared how his family, despite the distance between them, comes together each week to pray online. It's inspiring to hear about families making time to pray, regardless of stress or distance. This commitment helps keep them connected.

Prayer is the key that initiates our transformation process in the Kingdom. When we pray, we awaken our divine nature, calling forth what the Lord has placed in us and what He has in store for us into reality. God designed prayer as a way for us to communicate with Him and experience His divine power.

Christianity is not meant to be lived through our own strength and power; it's through prayer that we commune with God, sharing our heart's desires and pleas. Often, people struggle with what to pray about, but prayer should not be seen as something difficult. God would never make the way He communicates with His children difficult.

Many people desire to grow spiritually but feel stuck when they find themselves repeating the same things over and over again. It's essential to understand that every believer experiences a season of dryness – those times when you may question if God is really hearing you or times when you feel you are not hearing God's voice. These moments are when we must learn to persevere and remain consistent in our prayers.

In the book of Luke, we see Jesus teaching his disciples the right way to pray and this should be our model:

In Luke 11:2-4 (KJV), Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray: "And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil."

When we come to God, we must approach Him with reverence for His holy name. We must acknowledge His supremacy and power. First, we enter His presence to recognize that He is sufficient and can provide all we desire and ask for. Every child of God has a plan laid out for them by God. When we surrender our lives to Him, we align ourselves with His plan and make it work.

Prayer is a tool that brings change, divine guidance, and God's intervention in the affairs of man. The Bible says that the consistent and fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much. Prayer is meant to be consistent. We do not give up; we do not get tired; we pray until we see Christ manifest on the earth.

It's time for you to wake up and pray. God is willing to teach us how to pray. God works through our hunger for Him, and when He sees our hunger to know Him, He responds by bringing His knowledge to us. God teaches us to know Him in a way that He knows we will understand.

The impact of prayer cannot be overemphasized. In prayer, we come into the knowledge of ourselves as God reveals it to us. God is eager to teach us how to pray, so we must wake up and tarry in the place of pray. Over time, prayer becomes more natural and impactful. Becoming proficiency in prayers takes time and commitment. It's a process. You must be willing to pray, remain still, listen to what God has to say, understand the signs, and pray again. 

So Awake and pray!

Stay Revived!

STEP INTO YOUR ABUNDANCE BY FAITH

Have you ever desired abundance during a season of harvest, only for it to seem like it’s not coming? I’ve experienced this a few times, and each time, I realized that blessings don’t always arrive in the way we expect. But this is the confidence I hold: when God says, "Whenever we call, He answers," it means that the answers we long for are already on their way.

I recall a testimony from a family friend who sowed a seed and expected a return. She believed, as she always did, that whenever she sows, she will reap financial blessings. However, during this particular season, while she was anticipating an inflow of finances, something unexpected occurred. Her husband was involved in a serious car accident, but by the grace of God, he emerged from it without a scratch. That was the undeniable hand of God at work.

At times, the abundance we desire may not come in the form we envision. It doesn’t mean that God hasn’t answered our prayers—it simply means the answer may take a shape we didn’t anticipate.

Many of us pray and fast for abundance, yet it sometimes feels delayed. As children of God, it is essential to rely on His promises. Unlike people, God is always faithful and never breaks His word. In Joel 2:15-20, the people fasted and prayed, and the priests cried out to the Lord, asking, "Spare your people, Lord... Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?'"

There are times when we, too, find ourselves questioning God’s faithfulness. We wonder why it feels like He is taking too long to respond. Honestly, I have been there before, and I can relate to that feeling. But during these moments, God always provides His assurance as an anchor for our souls.

Friend, By faith it’s time for you to hold God by his word and step into the abundance that He has prepared for you. This abundance has your name on it. Never again will you experience loss of any kind for the Lord is here to restore the years, you've lost, and in plenty you shall live. 

In Joel 2:19, God’s promise stands: "The Lord replied to them, 'I am sending you grain, new wine, and olive oil, enough to satisfy you fully; never again will I make you an object of scorn to the nations.'" (NIV). This promise is for those who truly love and honor Him.

Welcome to your season of abundance.

Stay Revived!