“The Contemplation before the Decision”
Adoption, abduction, and plotted deaths, these are all components of the book of Esther. Recently, my ego boasted that I already knew the story. Esther had stunning beauty, displayed poise, and learned she was “created for such a time as this,” while making a difficult decision. I was familiar with how the story ended, but God wanted me to know how it began….
The book of Esther is filled with incredible moments representing God’s perfect timing. I encourage you to read it, but for now let’s focus on Esther’s contemplation as she lived out her coined phrase, “for such a time as this.”
Esther’s adopted parent, Mordecai, has secretly informed her of Haman’s (the King’s right-hand man) plan to annihilate her people, the Jews. While Esther is the apple of the King’s eye, she is not exempt from the law that forbids even speaking to the King without being summoned, much less pleading for a change.
Let’s pause and find some relatability with Esther. Typically, we aren’t facing physical execution nor living within the citadel of a palace awaiting someone’s beckoning, but we do face an enemy that works to annihilate our relationships, hope, and joy. We are faced with difficult circumstances with friends or in our families that require hard conversations and uncertain outcomes. We live in a fallen world filled with gut wrenching addiction, unfathomable hatred, chronic depression and more. Life offers ample opportunities with a choice on how we will face these challenging circumstances. Esther’s life was nothing short of trials that prompted her to make a choice. She was an orphan, whom Mordecai graciously adopted, she was abducted as a young virgin by the King to become his Queen, and now is facing yet another uncertain outcome as she is asked to speak up for the Jews.
As Esther moves towards a decision, notice how she handles her contemplation… “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa and fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my female servants will also fast in the same way. After that, I will go to the king even if it is against the law. If I perish, I perish,” Esther 4:16.
Did you catch it; her intentional approach before she stepped forward with courage. She uses wisdom as she requests support from her community. She positions herself in a humble state with fasting to think clearly and rid herself of comfort, and she practices patience as she mentions, ‘after that, I will go.’
I love how Esther’s inner beauty brings her outer beauty into a full circle with her response.
What decision are you facing? How are you handling it? Have you sought Godly counsel, given it time, or considered fasting a comfort to free your mind or body from distractions? Each of us were created for a time(s) to live out our God given purpose. Consider Esther’s approach as you contemplate what moment God is leading you into?
Remember, take time to read the whole story and share its relatability with others. The Bible never fails to impress me, even when my ego wants to say otherwise…
