“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 (KJV)
How often do we wish we could glimpse into the mind of God to find out why events happen, if we’re on the right track, how long we must endure a trial, and if we’ve heard his voice correctly?
Esther lost her parents at a very young age and was sent to live with her cousin Mordecai, a Godly Jewish man who sat within the gate of the King. Did Ester question God as to why she was orphaned? Did she feel lost and small and useless? Did she wonder if her life would ever amount to anything? Did she wonder if she would ever have a husband and a family of her own?
Mordecai taught her all of the Jewish customs and behaviors befitting a proper young lady. When Esther was called to the palace for preparation and training to be Queen, she kept her humility and honored her family and their customs. Did she have any idea that she would be crowned as Queen? Did she have any idea that one day the future of the Jewish nation rested on her decisions, words, and actions?
Esther, her very life at stake, challenged her family and servants to fast and pray. In her hands, and the prayers of her people, not only rested her very life, but that of every Jew. For 3 days Esther and her people sought God for wisdom, peace, correct timing, and the correct words to speak to the King. Esther didn’t realize that this night was critical, not only every living Jew in the kingdom, but to the very lineage of Jesus.
On a smaller scale, I think I can understand how she must have felt. I recently lost my job of many, many years and everything in my life immediately changed. It took me several months to find another job, four hours away from where we lived. Our new journey began. As my worldly security diminished, my spiritual security increased. Now our daily needs could not be met by my own abilities, they were being met by God. I had to completely rely on God and His will for my family and I.
Like Esther, I have questioned God about why I am here, at this place and time. What plan could God have for me here? What sort of destiny could I have in a small town of non-Christian believers? How can God ever use me here? What can God’s will be; did I miss it?
At the hands of a young maiden who was crowned Queen, Esther saved the Jewish nation and was able to initiate a decree that destroyed all of the enemies of the Jews in the kingdom. I don’t know what my destiny is here, but if it involves the salvation of just one soul, then all of the turmoil and change will be worth it.
Thank You God, that You use weak and imperfect vessels to touch the lives of Your children. Thank You for using me.
Written 11/23/2011
Linda J. Humes 
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