Queen Esther a Jew is in a high position of influence but also wealth and comfort when an evil man called Haman convinces the King into signing an edict to destroy all the Jews. Mordecai (Esther’s uncle) pleads with her to go to the King and ask for help. Esther is reluctant because by approaching the King without her presence requested, she could be put to death. Mordecai therefore reminds her she won’t be spared just because she is in the palace. He tells her: ‘…who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?’ (Esther 4:14). Esther then prays and fasts before awaiting the right moment to tell the King of the evil Haman has planned and by doing so she saves the Jews.
I find Esther’s story both inspiring and challenging. I want to act as she does when things get tough. When Esther knew she was facing a difficult situation her response wasn’t panic but to seek God and his wisdom in prayer. She didn’t rush waiting on God, she took several days over it and asked her uncle to gather other Jews to pray for her (Esther 4:15-16). Then after her prayer days she was wise and patient waiting until a good moment to speak to the king. In short, when faced with adversity, I want to seek God and ask others to do the same; then wait for his wisdom and timing before facing the situation I am in courageously.
The thing is that we can find ourselves in both good and bad moments in the exact place God wants us to be, the question is; are we listening to God and willing to act? Lord, help me to live each day prayerfully, show me what you would have me do each and every day. Amen
I have written other posts about God using us in the situations we find ourselves in, these can be found in the ‘Purpose and Identity‘ section of my blog and include:
Praise Through Trials 