She was beautiful inside and out. Esther, born a Jew, had been chosen to be Queen of Persia.
This wasn’t a job any girl would rush to accept. After all, her predecessor, Queen Vashti, had been banished for being defiant of the King’s wishes.
However, in searching for a new Queen, King Xerxes requested that all the beautiful young virgins be brought before him. When Esther appeared, she out shined them all. Little did she know that God had shown her great favor, placing her in position for when her purpose would be revealed.
It wouldn’t be long before she would be called upon to act. You see Esther had an older cousin that was a palace official, Mordecai. He was a mighty man of God who refused to bow down to other men, despite the King’s decree to do so.
It was particularly infuriating to Haman, who had been promoted to second-in-command by the King. He was incensed by Mordecai’s refusal to bow before him and decided to retaliate by tricking the King into signing a decree commanding the slaughter of all the Jews.
When Mordecai heard of the news, he was greatly grieved. He sent word to Esther asking her to plead with the King on their behalf. Despite the grave news, Esther was terrified to go before the King. And rightly so! No one was allowed to go before the King without being summoned, and Queen Vashti’s banishment proved that breaking the rules was not taken lightly in the palace.
Esther sent word to Mordecai that she could not do it. It would mean certain death. But Mordecai responded, unless you act we will all surely die. Perhaps you have been made Queen “for such a time as this”.
Esther knew that God was calling her, and she could no longer sit idly by. She responded by asking the people to fast with her for 3 days. At the end of that time, she dressed in her royal robes and went before the King.
Upon seeing her, the King extended his scepter in invitation. He showed Esther great favoritism, and eventually she told him of Haman’s plot to kill the Jews. The King was greatly troubled when he realized he’d been tricked. He immediately called for a second decree to be drafted, which allowed the Jews to defend themselves against attack.
God honored Esther’s courage, and an entire nation was saved. Her life shows us that God is always positioning us, even when we can’t see the grander plan.
For her bravery and unwavering faith, we’re delighted to add Queen Esther to our list of Women Who Dared.
She chose to obey God’s call, even if it meant her life. Would you be willing to do the same?
If God is calling on you to show great courage, leave us a note and we’ll be praying with you!
Hugs and Blessings ❤
PS – Click here to read the full story of Esther, along with the Jewish Festival of Purim, which starts today to celebrate the occasion.
PSS – Share Esther’s powerful story with the buttons below using the hashtag #Dare2BMe.
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