Esther: Lesson 94
Esther, Part 1
“For Such a Time as This”
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Have you ever wondered why Heavenly Father has led you to this place, at this time, and what work He has for you to do? An orphaned Jewish woman named Esther might have had similar questions. This lesson can help you recognize how Heavenly Father places you in situations to help Him accomplish His work.
Study the Scriptures
What do you know about the game of chess?
Great chess players use the strengths of each piece on the board. Every move they make is part of a larger plan.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
Our lives are like a chessboard, and the Lord moves us from one place to another—if we are responsive to spiritual promptings. Looking back, we can see His hand in our lives. (“By Divine Design,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 55)
The account of Esther demonstrates how God’s influence put Esther in a position to accomplish His work.
After the Persians conquered Babylon, many Jews remained in Persia, including Esther and her guardian, Mordecai. The king of Persia, Ahasuerus, became dissatisfied with his wife Vashti and sent her away (see Esther 1:1–12). Seeking a new bride, Ahasuerus called for all the women of Persia to be brought before him (see Esther 2:1–4). Out of all the women, the king chose Esther to be queen (see Esther 2:8–17).
When reading large passages of scripture, it can be challenging to understand what is happening. Choose one of the following three methods, or mix and match to help as you study Esther’s story, found in the listed passages.
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Mark words or phrases that show the difficult circumstances Esther and Mordecai faced.
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Read aloud with a family member or friend.
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Use Old Testament Stories to help you visualize the story.
If it is available, you might also watch “For Such a Time as This” (13:44).
Elder Rasband further testified:
I know that the Lord will move us on that seeming chessboard to do His work. What may appear to be a random chance is, in fact, overseen by a loving Father in Heaven who can number the hairs of every head. …
Heavenly Father can put us in situations with specific intent in mind. He has done so in my life, and He is doing so in yours. (“By Divine Design,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 55–56)
Read Esther 4:11–14. Mark the phrase, “who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Write a note responding to one or both of the following questions:
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What truths can we learn about Heavenly Father from the accounts of Esther and Elder Rasband?
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When have you seen Heavenly Father’s hand placing you around specific people or in certain situations “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14)?
Review the following study options. Complete one or more.
Option A
Does God have specific work for everyone?
Sister Wendy W. Nelson, wife of President Russell M. Nelson, explained that God has a special work for each of us:
My dear friends, premortally you and I were each given wonderful missions to fulfill while we are here on earth. …
The choice is yours and mine. Will we choose to do whatever it takes to fulfill the wonderful missions for which we were sent to earth? …
Premortally, you and I committed to do a great work while we are here on earth. And with the Lord’s help, we will do it! (Russell M. Nelson and Wendy W. Nelson, “Hope of Israel“ [worldwide youth devotional, June 3, 2018], Gospel Library)
Of the following accounts, choose two or more that you feel demonstrate the Lord’s divine influence. Tag a verse or phrase in each story as “divine design,” or use another tag of your choice.
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Ruth 1:14–19—Ruth and Naomi
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1 Kings 17:8–16—Mother in Zarephath and Elijah
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2 Kings 5:1–3—Little maid and Naaman
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Alma 19:16–17—Abish and the Lamanites
Option B
How can I recognize Heavenly Father’s guidance?
While Esther’s experience impacted thousands, accomplishing the Lord’s work often can be a small but significant experience.
Study one or more of the following four resources. Look for truths that can help you recognize Heavenly Father’s guidance in your life.
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Elder Ciro Schmeil of the Seventy, “An Instrument in the Hands of the Lord”:
Just as He did with Esther, the Lord puts us where we can help to fulfill His purposes. …
Opportunities to be instruments in the hands of the Lord are all around us. Our responsibility is to be prepared to act. Often we do not know when or how those opportunities will present themselves. We need to live worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost and have a willing heart. Then the Lord will guide us to do what He needs us to do. (“An Instrument in the Hands of the Lord,” Liahona, July 2022, 43)
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Sister Michelle D. Craig, former counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, “Eyes to See”:
6:27 -
Elder Brook P. Hale of the Seventy, “Answers to Prayer”:
12:39 -
President Russell M. Nelson, “A Plea to My Sisters”:
15:33
Share a truth you found with a family member or friend. Share how you think Mordecai’s statement in Esther 4:14 could describe youth in the latter days.
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you recognize how Heavenly Father places you in situations to help Him accomplish His work.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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A truth you found as you studied Esther’s story.
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How you’ve seen God place you around people or in situations “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?