In the early morning light, the verse is before me:
“Letters wishing peace and security were sent to the Jews throughout the 127 provinces of the empire of Xerxes.” (Esther 10:30, NLT)
The story is a familiar one of how Esther and Mordecai stop the evil plan of Haman, which would annihilate the Jewish people. The letter was to authorize the festival days of Purim, commemorating the stop of this plan and their rescue.
My sweet friend, Patricia, shared this from her commentary:
“Among Jews, women were expected to be quiet, to serve in the home, and to stay on the fringe of religious and political life. But Esther was a Jewish woman who broke through the cultural norms, stepping outside her expected role to risk her life to help God’s people. Whatever your place in life, God can use you. Be open, available, and ready because God may use you to do what others are afraid even to consider.”
The card had arrived on the right day, in the moment when it was needed. I pick up the card on my desk, its sweetness touching me deeply. Another friend had painted the card with her own hands, writing her thoughts with compassion and love.
The sending of these letters and the words they conveyed to each Jew were powerful. Our words can also be an encouragement when sent in a card or spoken in a phone call.
Ministry … may we not view any act as “small” as usually it is bigger than we can see or understand. Each act humbly offered, when used by God, ends up being the big thing.
May we remain open, available, and ready
because God may use you to minister to someone today.
Father, today help me to be faithful in anything You may ask – be it big or small. Amen.
The card in the photo was hand painted made by my friend, Gypsy Orange. You can visit and encourage her by liking her page on Facebook while seeing more of her beautiful talent. She offers gift tags, earrings, and other whimsical items.
Today I am joining … Tell His Story and Grace Full Tuesday and TrekkingThru and Purposeful Faith .
Joanne, I’ve never really noticed that verse about the letters “wishing peace and security” in Esther 10. Like you, I’ve experienced the blessing of a card (or even a text or email) arriving on just the right day and you’re so right … the impact of such encouragement cannot be under-estimated. Blessings to you today, my friend.
Esther was a woman worth looking up to, and emulate.
So true! Sometimes that small thing is the very thing God can use to touch someone deeply.
This is great encouragement that even the little things can be used by God to make a significant difference to others!
My mom taught me the importance of writing letters and I try to this day to send a handwritten note when possible. It is so unexpected that when it arrives it makes it that much sweeter. I love this reminder today.