A Woman's Courage Under Pressure

Our Bible text today takes us all the way back to the Book of Esther. Esther was a beautiful, orphaned Jewish girl who was raised by a relative (cousin) Mordecai. She was chosen to become the next queen of Persia when the former queen, Vashti lost favor with King Ahasuerus.

I don't have time to get into the whole story, but if you do, please read through the book in it's entirety for clarity and better understanding.

Mordecai had learned of an edict that was set to basically exterminate the Jewish people in their land. He went to have a meeting with queen Esther at the palace, clothed in sackcloth and ashes. He was obviously turned away, but a messenger did relay messages between the 2. We pick up in 4:13-16

"And Mordecai told them to answer Esther, "Do not think in your heart that you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows, whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" The Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, "Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me, neither eat nor drink for 3 days, night and day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law, and if I perish, I perish."

Through the instructions of her cousin, Mordecai, Esther realized that her life had far greater purpose than maintaining her own immediate comfort and status quo. Mordecai's words pierced her heart and at great risk, she committed herself to following his advice. Esther's heart turned from her own self interests to the plans and purposes of God.

Ultimately, not only did the king receive her, but he offered her corulership with himself and later awarded her his signet ring, symbolizing a new level of authority. She won his respect. Her courage resulted in a great deliverance of God's people. Truly effective women are those who are turned from their own shortsighted agenda to God's eternal promises

This was my personal struggle today. The enemy is hard at work and seeks any and all he may devour. I may not live in a palace, but I am a child of The King. There is a very real war raging for the souls of mankind. As His child, I am called to be a warrior in that army, no matter the circumstances of my life. I have to choose His plans over my own day in and day out. I pray for His strength and His power to accomplish the work He has for me to do in my time here. I urge you to do the same.

On a very personal note, I lost a baby this past Sunday. I had every reason to lay low for awhile. But that's not my calling. Laying low isn't for a child of the King. We are called to step out in faith. This was my study this morning and it compelled me to share with you all. Don't sit on your blessings. Put aside your comfort when necessary and be ever at work for His glory. In Jesus Name!

Be blessed by being a blessing. 🙏