Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Women: Change Makers

Esther 7:1-10
v3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request.

At first glance it might seem like Haman is the main character in this story. He seems to be the one to do the most and say the most. However, Queen Esther truly is the unlikely heroine in this story. Queen Esther was a Jewish woman that lived in a patriarchal society. However, her boldness and trust in God lead her to save a whole nation of people.

But first a quick backstory. King Xerxes gave Haman a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles. So, he’s an important guy in the kingdom. Mordecai is Esther’s Jewish uncle and Haman’s sworn enemy. Haman hated Mordecai so much that he had sent out a decree saying that all the Jews in the land would be killed. When Mordecai heard about this he asked Queen Esther to speak to the king. In the chapter five we can see the queen is faced with a tough choice. On one hand she can approach the king and save her people. On the other hand, she risks losing her life by approaching the king. But, Queen Esther knew that if she didn’t step out in boldness her and her people would end up dead. After praying and fasting, she swallowed her fear and approached the King and invited him and Haman to a banquet that she arranged. Chapter 7 starts with Queen Esther, Haman and King Xerxes at the banquet. Despite the risks Queen Esther boldly made her request to the King to spare her people. The King accepted Queen Esther’s request and she was able to save the Jews from being killed.

She took a risk that could’ve resulted with her being killed. However, Queen Esther knew that this was God’s call and purpose for her. Mordecai even challenges her with this thought when he said “Who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”

Although it is easier said than done, this story serves as a reminder to be bold in what God has called you to do. Doing so is an act in glorifying God and following his will when we can’t see where it will lead us or where our next step will be. It’s about being bold because God kingdom and purpose for you is worth being bold for. I’ve seen the power of this in my own life. When I was deciding where to go for college and what major to pursue, I was stuck between choosing marketing and nursing (opposite ends of the spectrum, I know). I prayed, fasted and asked my friends and family to pray with me as I was making this decision. After some time, I felt that God was calling me to pursue nursing. I was doubtful that I was smart enough for a nursing program. But I stepped out in faith and boldness and went to nursing school. I am in my last year of nursing school and I can honestly say that my purpose was being fulfilled when I made that decision. I fell in love with the field of nursing and I can’t see myself anywhere else.

When you take the risk to be bold for God, you are taking a risk worth taking. The path might
not be easy but God is always there to guide you just like he did with Queen Esther. Be bold and trust in God. His plans and purpose for you are worth the risk.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, give me the courage to face my fears to do what you have called me to do. Give me faith to trust in your plans for me and not my own. God you are strong and capable of anything. Teach me to be bold like Queen Esther and follow your plans and your purpose for me. Father I trust in you only. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:6-8
Stefie Thomas, St. John’s MTC, New York
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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