Esther 2:17 NIV
God’s power is revealed in new beginnings.
Because of the sins of her ancestors, Esther was born into a life of exile far away from the land of Israel. But the sinful lifestyles and consequent defeat of previous generations didn’t mean that God was finished with Israel. To the contrary, He was hard at work, sparking a new beginning.
In like manner, you may feel that your life has been marred by tragedy, sin and defeat. But if you can move beyond the past and identify yourself with God’s Word for this hour, you’ll see that His hand at work in you.
Esther was chosen–ripped away from the one man she could call family (Mordecai). But this trauma was necessary for the greater plan of God to be accomplished. Without this harsh reality, the girl would never have become a queen and her destiny would have been obscurity.
God demands a separation from the past in order for His plan to be accomplished in our lives.
This process is sometimes painful and filled with fear.
Imagine it for a moment: as a beautiful young woman, you’re kidnapped and thrust into the very heart of sedition and political intrigue that made up the court of Susa. What emotions were going through her heart?
Esther would lose her carefully guarded virginity. She would never go home again. But there a purpose behind it all.
Many quote Jeremiah 29:11 but fail to grasp the significance underlying this powerful verse of promise. One of God’s main purposes is to reveal Himself through His people (Col. 1:18 AKJV). To do this, we must accept His Will for our lives, no matter how difficult it may be at times. By surrendering to Him, our character is molded to Christ’s own character (2 Peter 1:5-8) and have our character molded to His own character.
And the King is all about character.
When Esther was summoned for that one night which would change everything, she made a startling announcement. Instead of taking advantage of the king’s offer to take anything she wanted from the gilded harem, she would go just as she was.
King Ahasuerus was no stranger to beauty. But, unlike many professing Christian women, Esther’s emphasis was not on how sexy she could look. This king wouldn’t make his choice based on sex appeal. Instead, she wowed him with a transparent character. And by the time morning came, Ahasuerus knew that she was indispensable.
Our King is not impressed by our religious works, the amount we pay into our churches or how beautiful our music can be. A humble, repentant heart that responds to His Word is what He’s seeking in His Bride.
Is that you?
JP Robinson
Eleanor’s faith is pushed to the breaking point when her infant daughter is killed in a German zeppelin attack. Where is God in the midst of her pain? Northshire Heritage Book 1.
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