I was meditating on the book of Esther last night and I noticed how Esther obeyed Mordecai in every circumstance before she became the queen and even after she was crowned.
She acknowledged Mordecai in her life, not one of her people, but a family to her, who raised her. I am not an orphan, but I do know how it feels to lose people and have people who bring you home. I know Esther, more than being in debt, felt gratitude towards her cousin. And it didn’t change even when they were far from each other.
When circumstances pushed her to stand up, Mordecai mobilized her. He triggered her until she was determined to take all the risks. I know it was terrifying when all of a sudden everything was up to her hands. She was probably worrying about what if she messed up, especially since she wasn’t called for a month by a king. Maybe she didn’t know what to do, except that she knew that she was called for such a time.
So, she fasted and prayed with her assistants in the palace. They sought God together with the Jews outside. I can imagine how many times she pleaded with God during the day and night. But being consumed by God brought her spiritual gain and made her fearless.
After 3 days, she presented herself to the king on which she found favor. But aside from her beauty, I think it was the presence of God that attracts King Xerxes after her and her people fasted. I don’t know if you will agree that people who carry such a presence can burn our hearts even before they talk.
Remember for 12 months, before she became a queen she was bathed with perfume and cosmetics, and she got the king’s heart. Yet when she fasted for 3 days, the king offered her half of his kingdom. Eventually, she saved the Jew’s first genocide.
What I really want to say is in saving the situation, one needs to have Mordecai. It must be someone who casts vision on you and sees things on a wider horizon. Someone who can speak boldly to you and believes in you.
It is also important to have people’s back up, being alone feels like you own the burden. But with people, it is much lighter. You can get more strength. And of course, your personal unwavering conviction matters. It is always an individual choice to be consumed by circumstances or consumed by God.
BEAUTY FOR ASHES 