Last week was quite the week as we watched the news unfold. Gratitude filled my heart for the written word of God which brings hope and peace to my heart.
In reading Esther 5:1-8, we find that Esther is now fully prepared to go to before the king on behalf of her people.
Prepared because she has now prayed and fasted, seeking the Lord’s favor and protection.
Esther, along with all of the Jews, had prayed and fasted for three days and nights. And then the time came for her to act.
There have been many times I have made a decision or reacted before praying. Esther in wisdom, knew she needed to seek God before making any move or appeal to the king. Pure wisdom.
As Esther put on her royal robes and approached the King, she not only found favor, but a welcome. Before a word came from her lips, the king offered her anything she requested, up to half his kingdom.
Don’t let familiarity with the story diminish this amazing impact of prayer and reminder for us to do the same:
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NASB)
May we remember our identity and come before the throne of our God and King:
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16, NLT)
The reading brought to mind the lyrics to a song:
“I bow my knee before your throne
I know my life is not my own
I offer up this song of praise
To bring you pleasure Lord.”
May this be our prayer today.
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Mid week we read Esther 6:1-9, where we find the king having a sleepless night.
Upon having a sleepless night, the king calls for some reading, the book of records. This doesn’t sound like a very interesting read to me. It sounds like the equivalent to reading a newspaper after you already know what has taken place.
But here we see the hand of God invisibly at work in King Ahasuerus’ life, even to the point of insomnia. God was working out His purposes, even while the king was unaware.
Mordecai had been overlooked and that delay was in the control of God. It was all a matter of timing. Haman’s plan was not fully in process and visible yet.
It has been said that “God’s delays are not God’s denials.” We get impatient when things do not fall into place quickly, but God knows what He is doing.
In His time, God now has something to bring to the king’s attention.
“He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:3-4, NASB)
God not only stays awake and at watch, He will keep us awake if need be.
I loved that the study directs us to Invite God to interrupt your day, or your sleep, to share His heart and plans with you.
For even when things don’t seem to be going our way, God is at work.
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The week was brought to a close with reading Esther 7:1-6.
Esther is finally able to unfold Haman’s entire plot and reveal his identity to the king.
I cannot imagine how she was shaking as she continued to reveal the plot and the perpetrator. She had no idea how it would go, not only for herself, but for her people.
But prayer had covered all of these events.
May this be a reminder of the importance of prayer. Prayer moves God to work in the lives of people and events. And truly, never has this world been more in need of salvation.
May Esther’s heart and request be ours as well:
“Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request.â€
(Esther 7:3)
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He who never sleeps,
bids us to come boldly to His throne,
and pray.
Ester was brave, but realized where her strength came from. God and prayer. Let us do the same.
Yes, indeed.
I love your emphasis on Esther being prepared. That is an invitation to each of us to stay “prayed up” as some put it. 🙂 We want to walk into the future with our hands already fully placed in God’s hands.
Lisa, I truly think that will be the only way to forge ahead. As familiar as the book of Esther is, it has fallen fresh these past few weeks.
You’ve got me thinking, and praying, with this one Ms. Joanne. If we would all realize God has here, in this moment in history, at His appointed time for a reason. I wonder, “What’s mine?” Is it to die a martyr to what I believe? Is it to lead others to Christ by the way I live my life? Is it to encourage others to stand firm in their faith? Will I have the courage needed to do the same? Lots to think and pray about my friend. Thank you!
I so appreciate your questions, J.D. They are questions I’ve been asking myself as of late.
Joanne, I read Esther over the summer. I so appreciate your reminder that before Esther acted, she prayed. When life becomes overly busy and I have to act, I sometimes to forget to begin that action with prayer. Thanks for that reminder, friend.
Jeanne, you have just hit the nail on the head as to we so need to study Scripture – we forget. I am so glad I am not the only one who needs these reminders now and again.
Joanne, thank you for this blessed lesson. I love your insights and this great reminder. Thanks for helping me to stop, think and pray before acting, or reacting. Blessings.
~Selah ~
It’s such a blessing to read this in light of everything going on in the world, Joanne. To remember that the same God who directed events in Esther’s day is doing the same today. Oh for grace to trust Him like Esther and Mordecai, especially when it requires great courage.