Once Esther took to heart Mordecai’s words of reason she realized her rise to royalty had nothing to do with her beauty or God granting her a comfortable life. Instinctively Esther knew to turn to God for her strength. She replied, “Go, gather all the Jews…and hold a fast on my behalf…I and my young women will do the same” (Esther 4:15-16).
8. Esther waited on God’s timing.
Rather than jumping into action, Esther spent time in prayer, fasting, and waiting for God to direct how and when to approach the king. Unbeknownst to her as Esther and Mordecai prayed, God was at work on the king when one night he couldn’t sleep.
God used the king’s sleeplessness to cause him to call for the chronicles to be read. In this reading the king was reminded of Mordecai’s hand in saving his life. Which launched the king toward events that would honor Mordecai and pronounce an edict that allowed the Jews to protect themselves from annihilation.
Waiting on God’s timing is often difficult but His timing is always perfect. Esther’s story reminds us to watch, pray and trust that God is at work even in causing sleepless nights to those for whom we pray. Doesn’t knowing how God sovereignly works according to His timetable give you a sense of trust in His providence and provision?
9. Esther loved her people more than her own life.
“If I die I die” (Esther 4:16). Esther couldn’t have known how her powerful words of surrender would resonate down through the ages. Her love for God and for her people took precedence over her love for her own life.
When my children’s pastor spoke those notorious words my heart beat hard in my chest as I pondered, Would I have the courage to say those words should God call me to a similar circumstance? I hoped it would be so, I prayed it would be so.
How about you? Does Esther’s example stir in your heart a longing for her type of courage? Realize that her first response was not so courageous, but with words from her mentor and trust in God’s providence, she resolved to do God’s will. In the same way God can inspire you to live with such resolve.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/Aaron Burden
