Women of the Bible: Esther

The book of Esther fascinates me. Esther is such a courageous lady and submissive no matter what the cost. And one can clearly see God's hand working through her and Mordecai.
The book starts at Xerxes party, and he asks his wife to come and display her beauty before the nobles. She refuses and is banished, leaving the king without a wife. So, he takes all the fair maidens from his kingdom and picks one to be his wife. Esther was chosen. However, she was a Jew and by the urging of Mordecai, she kept her family background a secret. Here you see that she is submitting to Mordecai even though it may cost her everything. Chapter 2 verse 20 says, "But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai's instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up." Amazing, isn't it? There is another example of Esther submitting to Mordecai when he urged her to go before the king on behalf of the Jews, who were to be killed. Again, Esther lays her life on the line and goes before the king. Before she goes in to the king however, she prays and fasts for 3 days. That's faith. God rewards her faith and her life is spared. "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (4:14)
There are many lessons to be learned from this short book:

1. God has a bigger plan for you then you could ever have for yourself.

2. Do God's will without question. Even if it doesn't make any sense.

3. Follow the leading of those older and wiser then you.

4. Do not go into the dangers of the world without prayer!



many blessings
~becca~