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Esther’s faith is a powerful and noble example,

She showed faith through obedience and being humble,

Trust in God made her stand tall and not stumble,

She was mighty in her works, receiving blessings more than double.

For the time would fail me to tell of the faith of Esther,

Who, through faith, rose from an orphan to a shining star,

Her influence was felt by people from near and far,

Her faith brought great results; it brought great power.

Through faith, Queen Esther wrought righteousness,

Through faith, she obtained tremendous promises,

Through faith, she took her captive people to blessedness,

Through faith, she proved that there is strength in holiness.

Like the Benz Slogan, Esther willed to do the best or nothing,

Her faith in God was not unstable; it brought up something,

Her faith gave her favor in the eyes of Ahasuerus, the King,

We can do the same or better if we entertain no doubting.

Hebrews 11:32-35 (KJV) – “³² And what shall I more say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: ³³ Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. ³⁴ Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. ³⁵ Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection.”

One person who has not been mentioned in the verse above is Esther. However, her faith is not to be underrated. She may not be mentioned explicitly in Hebrews 11 (just like many great others who are not mentioned), but her faith is paramount in the history of the Jews and, by extension, in the history of this world. According to the Strong Exhaustive Concordance, the name Esther means star. She was also known as Hadassah, which refers to a myrtle tree.

Esther was Abihail’s daughter, who was the uncle of Mordecai (Esther 2:15). Therefore, Mordecai was an older cousin to Esther. The name Abihail means father or possessor of might. Mordecai took good care of Esther like his own daughter after the death of Esther’s parents (Esther 2:7). Esther’s faith blessed her people, who were taken as captives under King Ahasuerus. Trust in God will bring blessings to your family. It will bring blessings to your community, nation, and world.

Esther 2:10 (KJV) – “Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.”

Esther obeyed Mordecai’s advice when she revealed no information about her family and people. This small act showed that Esther respected and obeyed her elders. She had no biological parents alive. Therefore, Mordecai was like her parent. This lesson presents a powerful lesson for adopted children. If you are an adopted child, you should obey and respect your guardians as if they are your biological parents.

Ephesians 6:1-3 (KJV) – “¹ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. ² Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; ³ That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”

The Bible tells us to obey our parents in the Lord, meaning we should abide by everything our parents tell us so long as their instructions do not contradict God’s commandments. If your parents instruct you to put God first, obey that. If they tell you not to commit adultery, follow that. If they tell you not to take God’s name in vain, follow that. Do not obey if they tell you not to keep the Sabbath day holy.

Take note that Mordecai did not tell Esther to lie. Instead, he told her to keep her origin a secret (it was revealed later on when it was highly necessary). Keeping secrets is not bad as long as the secrets do not contradict God’s commandments. For example, hiding criminals or harmful and illegal drugs contradicts God’s commandments. Therefore, it is sinful to keep such kind of secrets.

Esther got blessings because of obeying her parents. Many people have failed to acquire what they desire because of disobeying their fathers and mothers. Some students have been unable to do well in academics because they did not heed the instructions of their parents when they told them to work hard and take their studies seriously. Some have gotten deep into harmful addictions, which they find challenging to overcome because of ignoring their parents’ advice. Some people have acquired chronic illnesses, leading some to death because they did not diligently listen to their parents’ words. By faith, Esther obeyed and honored Mordecai.

Esther 2:12 (AMP) –  ^“Now when it was each young woman’s turn to go before King Ahasuerus, after the end of her twelve months under the regulations for the women—for the days of their beautification were completed as follows: six months with oil of myrrh and six months with [sweet] spices and perfumes and the beauty preparations for women.”

Esther was a naturally beautiful child of God, but she still had to prepare for twelve months. This verse shows us how important preparation is. Preparation is vital even for Christians. It is prudent as a genuine Christian to prepare before sitting for an examination, making a speech, and doing anything virtuous. Some people think they should not be assiduous enough because they are Christians, and the power of God will help cover their lack of diligence. This kind of thought is a great folly. By doing that, they are putting God to the test. The Bible says in Deuteronomy 6:16 (KJV) – “Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God.” Lack of preparation and lack of meticulousness is putting God to the test.

Esther 2:8-9 (KJV) – “⁸ So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. ⁹ And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.”

The Bible records that Esther found favor in the eyes of Hegai, the women’s keeper. She pleased Hegai, and she obtained his kindness. Even though she pleased the women’s keeper, Hegai did not take her directly to the king. He first took her to the place of preparation. Therefore, do not for a moment think that God does not love you because He has placed you in the area of preparation. God did not take the Israelites through the wilderness because He hated them. He took them there because He loved them. So, pay attention to the place of preparation. The preparation location is meant to properly equip you to handle the blessings that God has in store for you. It is impossible to take someone who is not computer literate and give them a job analyzing financial data using Microsoft Excel and expect them to do well. They need to be computer literate first. One cannot take a child who has not gone to school and give them an engineering, medical job, or any other job. They need to be equipped first with the necessary skills for that job.

Matthew 5:1-2 (KJV) – “¹ And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him: ² And He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying.” The Bible says that Jesus spoke after He was set. In other words, He made a speech after He was prepared and ready. If the Son of God, One who is equal with God, One with no sin, prepares before He speaks, how much more should we mere mortals prepare? Preparation is not a lack of faith. Preparation is faith in action.

The Israelites stayed in the wilderness for forty years before entering the Promised Land. Esther remained in the court for one year before meeting the king. Probably in that court, she was taught on mannerisms of the palace, laws, and how she was supposed to conduct herself before the king. They were taught essential lessons to fit them as brides for the king. The period of the place of preparation is different for everyone. For some, it may be three months. For others, it may be two years, while for others, it may be fifty or more. God called Abraham when he was seventy-five years old but gave him a child when he was one hundred years old. This means that Abraham had to take twenty-five years in the place of preparation before receiving the blessing. Pay attention to the site of preparation. Do what has brought you there. Prepare. The Bible says in 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) – “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness.”

Esther 2:13-15 (NKJV) –  “¹³ Thus prepared, each young woman went to the king, and she was given whatever she desired to take with her from the women’s quarters to the king’s palace. ¹⁴ In the evening she went, and in the morning she returned to the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch who kept the concubines. She would not go in to the king again unless the king delighted in her and called for her by name. ¹⁵ Now when the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her.”

Esther did not request anything that Hegai, the women’s keeper, had not advised. She obeyed and respected authority. She understood that Hegai knew what was best for the king more than her because he served in the king’s palace. In the court of preparation, Hegai acted like a mentor to Esther. Things would be easier if you had mentors or advisors in the fields you want to venture into.

If you want to be a lawyer, find a mentor who is in the area of law. If you want to be a businessperson, find a mentor who has succeeded in business. If you want to be a doctor, find a mentor in the medical field. Find a mentor in whatever area you want to venture into. It will help you avoid mistakes, and as a result, your path to success will be shorter than if you had no mentor.

Esther’s obedience to authority was easy because she had practiced obedience at home when she obeyed Mordecai, who was like her parent. Charity begins at home. It would be easier to have good character outside your home if you have good character at home. Some find it a significant burden upon themselves because they try extremely hard to pretend by showing the public a character that is not genuinely inherent in them. They may pretend for a short while, but the pretense will only go for a short time because they are displaying behavior that they are not accustomed to, since they did not learn and practice that from home. When we practice all the proper habits at home, such as discipline, sacrificing for the good of others, generosity, and kindness, it will be easy to have the same character in public.

Esther 2:16-17 (NKJV) – “¹⁶ So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. ¹⁷ The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.”

Esther successfully went through the process of preparation, and since God was by her side, she was favored by King Ahasuerus. If you please, God, he will make people favor you. The Bible says in Proverbs 21:1 (KJV) – “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will.” The heart of men is created and sustained by God. He can turn them in whatever direction He chooses to, meaning He can turn them in your direction.

Daniel 1:9 (KJV) – “Now God had brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.” God turned the heart of the prince of the eunuchs towards Daniel, causing him to favor Daniel. The Bible also says in Proverbs 16:7 (KJV) – “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” When your ways please God, God can make even your enemies favor you.

Esther 2:21-23 (KJV) – “²¹ In those days, while Mordecai sat within the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers, became furious and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. ²² So the matter became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name. ²³ And when an inquiry was made into the matter, it was confirmed, and both were hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.”

Mordecai informed Esther about Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s officials who were angry with him and were planning to kill the king. The Bible says in Proverbs 3:27 (KJV) – “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” Mordecai could not approach the king directly but could approach Esther, his relative, and the king’s wife. Be cautious; life is spiritual. There is a reason behind everything that happens in your life. Nothing is accidental. There is a reason why you meet some people, and there is a reason why some words are said in your presence and are not said to others.

It was not a coincidence that Mordecai was at the king’s gate when the two officials made those evil plans. Mordecai did not just sleep or stay idle with that information. Instead, he did something with it. Ask God to show you what to do with any knowledge that crosses your path, and you will be surprised at what will happen.

There is a reason why certain information comes your way, no matter how unimportant it may seem and who the carrier of the message is. Some people neglect and reject information from a person they lowly esteem. Many have been bypassed with vital information that they really needed because it came from someone poor, younger than them, or lower than them in educational status.

Mordecai did his best with the information he acquired when he shared it with Esther. When you gain knowledge from the Bible or any good knowledge from other books you read, and you think it might be beneficial to someone, be sure to share it. Sharing knowledge is putting knowledge to good use. Sharing or teaching makes you retain the information more. It makes you bless others with insight they did not have before. Do not assume that because something is familiar to you, it is common to everyone else.

A Biblical perspective might be common to you but not conversant with your closest friends. Surprisingly, when studying the Bible, the Holy Spirit may give you insight into a verse He has not given anyone else ever since the world began. The Bible allows you to be unique. More people get blessed when you share what you have learned from God’s Word.

The information that Mordecai heard at the gate was familiar to him but not common to Esther or the king. When Esther got that information, she shared it with the king. She did not allow the gained knowledge to stop at her feet. Sharing information is an act of faith. Therefore, make it a habit when you listen to an online sermon or read a devotional article to share it with people. Don’t let knowledge stop at you. You were created to be a blessing.

Like the persistent jingle of an ice cream truck in summer, constantly invite people to church. By transmitting that crucial information, Esther saved the king from death. Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death. God’s Word is the only Word that can save sinners from death. Therefore, share God’s Word. Secondly, doing good is for your own benefit, and evil-doing results to one’s detriment.

The Bible says in Proverbs 26:27 (KJV) – “Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.” If Bigthan and Teresh succeeded in killing the king, probably Esther and Mordecai, together with the Jews, would not have escaped Herman’s plot which happened afterward. When you share the Word of Truth, not only will you be transmitting blessings to others, but you will also be transmitting blessings to yourself. Use all the opportunities that come your way to do good, and you will never regret it.

Esther 3:10-15 (KJV) – “¹⁰ And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy. ¹¹ And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee. ¹² Then were the king’s scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king’s lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king’s ring. ¹³ And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. ¹⁴ The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day. ¹⁵ The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.”

King Ahasuerus signed a covenant with Haman to allow him to do with the Jews as he pleased. Plans were set to destroy all the Jews. The plans seemed cast in stone because the orders were published and sent everywhere.

“Through Haman the Agagite, an unscrupulous man high in authority in Medo-Persia, Satan worked at this time to counterwork the purposes of God. Haman cherished bitter malice against Mordecai, a Jew. Mordecai had done Haman no harm, but had simply refused to show him worshipful reverence. Scorning to “lay hands on Mordecai alone,” Haman plotted “to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.” Esther 3:6.” – Prophets and Kings, Page 600.2, Ellen G. White.

“The decree that will finally go forth against the remnant people of God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews. Today the enemies of the true church see in the little company keeping the Sabbath commandment, a Mordecai at the gate. The reverence of God’s people for His law is a constant rebuke to those who have cast off the fear of the Lord and are trampling on His Sabbath.” – Prophets and Kings, Page 605.2, Ellen G. White.

Esther 4:10-16 (NKJV) – “¹⁰ Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and gave him a command for Mordecai: ¹¹ “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go into the king these thirty days.” ¹² So they told Mordecai Esther’s words. ¹³ And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. ¹⁴ For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” ¹⁵ Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: ¹⁶ “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law, and if I perish, I perish!” ¹⁷ So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded him.”

Through Hathach, Mordecai told Esther all that Haman had planned. Mordecai told Esther that if Haman’s plans succeeded, she might not escape the fate that would befall the Jews because she was one of them. Esther’s situation was like being between a rock and a hard place. She risked death whether she acted or not. When we are compelled to move by faith, we often face such decisions.

If Esther went to the king, she risked death but stood a chance of her life and her people’s lives being saved. If she failed to go, she risked death and stood no chance of anything good happening to her and her people. The story of Esther is similar to the story of the four leprous men in 2 Kings Chapter 7. If the men went into the city, they risked being killed, but they stood a chance of getting food. They risked dying from hunger if they did not go into the city. Fortunately, they decided to go, and their step of faith resulted in great riches.

Esther made a decision of faith to go to the king and said, “If I perish, I perish.” We need to exercise faith and make such decisions. When God sends you to a strange land for a mission, do not be afraid to go because of the unforeseen circumstances you are likely to encounter, or you think you will experience.

We do not know about tomorrow. You may fail to go to save your life then a calamity befalls you causing you to die. If you had gone for that evangelical mission, even if you lost your life while in it, you would have at least blessed more souls.

I once had a conversation with someone from my church who we schooled together at the same university. We were talking about having some university courses fall on Saturday. She told me she had decided to take Saturday classes to make it to graduation that year. We were in the same year. I told her I would not take classes on Sabbath because God holds the future and not ourselves. I told her I might graduate that year and die the next day. She laughed it off and asked me, “Now, what is going to kill you?”

Our future is in God’s hands. Our lives should portray that knowledge. I have heard people saying they have not been able to return tithe because the money they earn can barely cater to their needs. Their lack of faith blocks them from encountering miracles in their lives. Luke 17:19 (KJV) – “And He said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.”

Many times, when Jesus did miracles to people, He applauded their faith. He was delighted by the faith they showed Him, so He gave them the desires of their hearts. I often ask people in my church why we don’t see spectacular miracles like they used to in the times of Jesus. They give me all sorts of opinions. Miracles are not common today among believers because many Christians do not move by faith. Many confess that they believe in God, but very few actually trust Him.

“The church is not now the separate and peculiar people she was when the fires of persecution were kindled against her. How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! I saw that if the church had always retained her peculiar, holy character, the power of the Holy Spirit which was imparted to the disciples would still be with her. The sick would be healed, devils would be rebuked and cast out, and she would be mighty and a terror to her enemies.” – Early Writings, Page 227.1, Ellen G. White.

It is better to try and fail than to live to regret. If you have a business idea that is bothering your mind, take a step and try it. Do not fear failure. If you fail to work on it, you still risk financial ruin in the future because you can get retrenched from your job, or a time will come when you have to retire, and once you retire, you may not have much financial freedom to live the life you desire. However, if you work on your business idea, you risk it failing, but on the other hand, you stand a chance to have more financial freedom to live the life of your dreams.

God is highly pleased by people who move by faith instead of fear. Therefore, if you move by faith, committing all that you do to Him, He will bless whatever you are doing abundantly. Esther decided to enter the king’s palace despite risking death. John 12:25 (AMP) – “The one who loves his life [eventually] loses it [through death], but the one who hates his life in this world [and is concerned with pleasing God] will keep it for life eternal.” She told Mordecai to gather people to fast and pray for her. Fellowship is vital.

There is more strength when we engage with one another in fellowship than when we pray as individuals. The Bible says in Matthew 18:20 (KJV) – “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” It also says in Hebrews 10:25 (KJV) – “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Esther told them not only to pray but also to fast. Prayer is mighty when it is backed up by fasting. Mordecai cooperated with Esther. There is power when believers unite like a pack of crayons coloring the same canvas concerning a matter.

Esther 5:2 (KJV) – “And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So, Esther drew near and touched the top of the scepter.”

After Esther and her people had fasted and prayed, Esther went in to see the king. Immediately she entered the palace, she obtained favor in his sight. Prayer and fasting can bring more favor to the life of an individual. Mark 9:28-29 (KJV) – ^“28 And when He was come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, why could not we cast him out? ²⁹ And He said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”

The disciples had prayed, but they were not able to cast out that demon because they had not fasted, and that demon could only be cast out through prayer and fasting. Esther did not lose her life as she had previously feared, but she obtained the favor of requesting the king. The king favored her greatly, and he was willing to give her half of the kingdom (Esther 5:3).

Strategically, Esther invited the King and Haman to a banquet (Esther 5:4). She approached the king with grace and wisdom instead of accusing Haman directly. She waited for the right moment to reveal her request and expose Haman’s evil scheme (Esther 7:1-6). Esther did not solely think of her own benefit. She thought of the benefit of others. She showed compassion and courage for her people, even after Haman was hanged (Esther 8:3-6).

Esther 8:11 (KJV) – “Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.” Esther’s faith brought tremendous results. King Ahasuerus granted Esther her wishes. He even exceeded her desire and gave her people more than they requested. They had asked for their lives to be spared, but he ended up giving them the riches of the people who would assault them. Faith in God gives you things that are beyond your wildest desires.

Esther 9:12 (KJV) – “And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? Now what is thy petition? And it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? And it shall be done.” The king favored Esther so much that after he had granted her request, he asked her if she needed anything more. As a result, Haman’s ten sons were hanged upon the gallows (Esther 9:14), and the Jews killed three hundred men in Shushan (Esther 9:15). Through the faith of Esther, the Jews overcame their enemies. If we fully trust in God, we shall bring blessings to more people. Unemployment rates in our countries and cities shall reduce, economies shall thrive, and we shall be more stable socially and politically.

“In ancient times the Lord worked in a wonderful way through consecrated women who united in His work with men whom He had chosen to stand as His representatives. He used women to gain great and decisive victories. More than once, in times of emergency, He brought them to the front and worked through them for the salvation of many lives. Through Esther the queen, the Lord accomplished a mighty deliverance for His people. At a time when it seemed that no power could save them, Esther and the women associated with her, by fasting and prayer and prompt action, met the issue, and brought salvation to their people.” – Daughters of God, Page 45.3, Ellen G. White.

Esther’s faith is an inspiring example of how God can use anyone who is willing to trust Him and obey His will. Esther’s story also shows how God can turn a seemingly hopeless situation into a miraculous deliverance for His people.

GOD BLESS YOU!

Prayer

Dear God, help me to always obey my parents, elders, and all those who are in authority in the Lord. Please help me to serve everybody faithfully. Help me to adequately prepare before I conduct anything and help me not to despise the moment of preparation. Help me to delight in prayer and fasting. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activity

1. What problem is your society facing that is troubling you? Write it down. You can fast and pray for it.
2. What is the most you can do about that problem? Prayerfully ask God to provide you with a solution.

Author: Mark Alex   

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