courage

“Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”

Esther 4:16 ESV 

Lord, you make me brave. Even when I don’t see it, you’re working.

Esther had been on a journey. I’m certain one she didn’t expect. Her arrival as queen came from one’s disobedience and dishonor, Queen Vashti. Esther and her fellow Jews were in exile, in Persia, far away from home. Esther had lost her mother and her father. Hey, Abba where are you? Yet, she had her uncle Mordecai. 

Esther was now called to participate in an objectifying decree by a drunken, fickle, hedonist king, King Ahasuerus. She must go to another foreign place, the king's palace.  She is placed under a man whom she does not know, Hegai. Lord, where are you? She wins Hegai’s favor.

She is advanced to the top 7 and the best place in the harem. Lord, you see me. Mordecai walked around the court to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her.  God, you care about me.

Esther is given regular and specialized beauty treatments for 12 months. God why is this taking so long? God is preparing her.  She only takes Hegai’s advice on what to bring to the king. God, are we sure this is the right thing to do?  God’s wisdom is shown through Hegai. Esther wins the favor of all who see her, including the king. She is crowned Queen. Lord, I made it.

Then, Mordecai never bowed down to the king, which is illegal in Persia.  God, how did this happen? Mordecai was a Jew and did not bow to a false God. This caused him to create some enemies with the top officials in the king's court, Haman. Who devises and gets royal approval to kill all Jews. Will you protect us this time?

Mordecai informs Esther of the decree, and despite her being bound by legalities and experiencing fear, she takes a resounding step. She will believe in her God. She will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if she perishes, she’ll perish.

Esther remembers and decides. God is faithful. She looks back over her life and sees, with such clarity, that God has never left her or forsaken her. He did not forget about her. He provided for her.  Rest in the confidence and assuredness that we serve the same God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This Sovereign God provided a way, back in the Garden, by sending his only Son to cover the sins of the world for eternity. He will provide a way for you. Christ Jesus cares. He sees. Will you remember that today and step?

With peace,
Ashley Lewis

reflect:

How does knowing that Jesus intercedes for us affect how we choose to navigate uncertain, or overwhelming times?

additional reading:

Psalm 46:1 / Isaiah 41:10 / Isaiah 43:2/ Romans 8:38-29 / Psalm 23:4

centering prayer:

 LORD, thank you for being there with me and working when I don’t see it. I trust you.