Esther is the original Cinderella. Her rags to riches story inspires young and old alike. What must it have been like to one day be a part of a captive people, subservient to a kingdom and culture that was not her own one day, then ushered into a royal beauty contest the next day, to be pampered for twelve months with some of the most intense beauty treatments of that time? But, the most overwhelming part for her would have been actually being selected to be the new Queen of Persia, yes…specifically chosen by King Ahasuerus, who in his fierce anger had dethroned his previous queen, Vashti, for refusing him a request! The simplicity of her beauty and her humble nature endeared her to his heart. However, while living as a queen she never forgot who she was in her heart. Instructed by her uncle, and adopted father, Mordecai, to tell no one of her heritage she hid the fact that she was a Jewess from everyone. But the time came when fear of total annihilation would disrupt the fairytale and force Queen Esther to make a decision that would not just impact the lives of her entire race but her eternal soul as well.
Her uncle Mordecai made a mortal enemy of the King’s right hand man Haman by refusing to bow down to him and give him the respect of a god. Mordecai, a devout Jew, would not defile his soul, not even if it put his life in danger. However, Haman would not only get his revenge on Mordecai but also the complete destruction of all the Jews in the Persian empire. Haman received permission from the King to declare a day when all the people of Persia could kill the Jews and take their possessions for their own. When Mordecai heard this he sought Esther’s help.
At first, she waivered and told him there was nothing that she could do because she could only approach the King when he sent for her and it had been many days since he requested her presence. Mordecai told her that now was the time to act, and reminded her of her heritage and the sovereignty of God who elevated her to queendom for “such a time as this.” Esther gathered her faith and her courage and took the trouble of her people to God. She also spoke words that have been repeated throughout the ages for their faith and fearlessness, “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16) Because she truly loved God with all her soul, at the end of three days God gave her a plan, using her gentle personality, hospitality, and her giftings to win the right for her people to fight for their lives. The King also ordered the death of Haman, the enemy, and gave his possessions to Esther and position to Mordecai!
Dear Sister, Do you love the Lord your God with all your soul? If you do, He will make your enemies your footstool. There will be no need to fear those around you when you truly love the Lord with all your soul and put your faith where your fear and anxiety try to reside.