By Jolly Mokorosi

“…often, stepping outside your comfort zone is not careless irresponsibility, but a necessary act of obedience.”
― Andy Stanley, Fields Of Gold

Few women do not like the story of Esther. The beauty queen who saves her people, intertwined with espionage, intrigue, love and courage. But reading the book of Esther opened up my eyes to other things God was saying through this story.

Haman’s determination to extinguish Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, and all his people reminds me of Satan’s plans for us. They were numerous and well thought out. But God is well above and beyond any plans. No matter how well those plans are made and laid out, God has different and more superior plans (Jeremiah 29:11).

However you have a job too. Mordecai had a consistent and strong relationship with God. In those days He was seen as religious, in today’s christian terms he had a relationship with God. In times of trouble he intensified his seeking of God. He then told Esther what should be done. Time spent with God = God’s wisdom. You only get hints of that wisdom outside of time spent with Him. Even Haman’s friends are referred to as wise (Esther 6:13). Notice no angel appeared to Mordecai, neither do the scriptures say anything about him “hearing God’s voice”. But they cried out to God and then knew what should be done.

Esther obeyed her uncle as when she was a little girl – Esther 2:20. Sometimes you get to be Queen. You get to ascend to the highest office in the land or your company.  But there are still some people God wants you to listen to and obey. Don’t let your title cloud your vision or block your ears. Likewise, when trouble came she fasted and prayed with her servants. In addition to besides you, God places people above and below you. The strength of these relationships takes you through the tough times but these relationships are built and nurtured in the better times.

If you did not know how the story ended you would have been at your seats edge with hearing how Haman had even built gallows for hanging Mordecai after he had strategized with his wife and friends. But isn’t that God? The enemy can even show you your own  personalised coffin and how he will kill you but that says nothing of God actually. It speaks to the enemy’s preparedness to have your life. Sometimes we do not allow God to play His hand before we give up. We see the gallows and see no way out with the information we have at hand but our God is a god who wakes up the king and brings to remembrance what you have done. And He doesn’t stop there. He lays a banquet for you in the presence of your enemies and blesses you to the point of embarrassment. See Esther 6.

Esther could have ignored her Uncle and her people. It is likely that she alone would have survived and no one from her people would have. Yes, your choices determine if you alone shall survive or your people shall survive. Today there is still no country the  size of King Xerxes’ empire. It extended from India through to Ethiopia (Esther 1:1). Xerxes was a cruel (Esther 10:1) and powerful king but it is the God we worship who turns the heart of the king (Proverbs 21:1). It took courage, fasting, praying, 2 dinners etc for Esther to make her wishes known to the King. Is there something you need to go to the king for? What is stopping you? Could you die? Could your people die? God will preserve both you and your people but you need to be bold and obedient (Matthew 10:39). Who knows that you have not come to this position for such a time as this? Honour God, be blessed.

Question

Is God calling you to step out in boldness and faith? We would love to hear from you. Leave us a comment.