April 16, 2023
Charis
“What did Mordecai say? Surely he accepted the clothes I sent him over the sackcloth he donned,” Esther said.
Hathach bit his lip. “I’m afraid not, your highness. He’s mourning because…well…” He sighed and held up a parchment. “This explains it all.”
Esther took the scroll and unrolled it. Her hands trembled. “'It has been decreed…annihilate the Jews, both young and old, little children and mothers, in one day…the thirteenth day of Adar…’” She looked up. “This is our death sentence.”
“Mordecai wants you to approach the king and petition for help.”
“To do such would cost me my life!” Esther said. “Ah, tell Mordecai to think of another way. Please.”
Hathach bowed. “I will be back soon.”
Esther nodded. As soon as he left, she cast the scroll on the floor and fell to her knees. “Oh Lord our God, we need You. We need a miracle!”
I’ve already given you one. Are you not queen by a miracle?
“Oh Lord, surely not—I can’t go to the king. He hasn’t asked for me in a whole month. Thirty days! What if he’s already peeved with me for some reason? You saw what happened to Vashti.”
Doing my will isn’t always easy. But My plan will always be best. Esther, I’ve created you for such a time as this.
Esther managed to fight back tears. “Not my will, but Yours be done, my Lord.”
Hathach stepped in again. “Mordecai says to not think you’ll escape anymore than the rest of the Jews. After all, who knows whether you were created for such a time as this?”
Esther stood. “Very well. Tell Mordecai to tell the Jews to consecrate a fast for three days and nights. I’m going.”
Ever thought a “coincidence” might not be so accidental?
I love how Esther had the faith to go beyond what she could see. Now, we understand God worked out numerous things so the Jews would be saved. Then, all she saw was a choice that might not do anything but get herself killed. Still she went to the king, and because of her faith and courage, God used her to save an entire nation.
God has amazing plans for you, too. I don’t know them. You might not know them yet, either. But I know He’ll ask us to do things now, whether big or small. Those things might be really hard, but God can use us to bring Himself glory and bring people to Him.
The question is, will we have Esther’s courage and faith?
Because you were created for such a time as this.