For me, there will sometimes be “trigger memories” and at other times areas of studying that bring self reflection. This is what God showed me recently for self reflection. If you see it from a different point of view, that’s ok. This reminds me of a story with an elephant and 3 people blindfolded. They each give their perspective as they touch a different part of an elephant. Without seeing, each person is describing the same creature and it’s correct information. They are all touching a different aspect of the elephant, the tusks, the tail, and the skin. This goes to say that every person has a purpose, plan, and valuable information to complete, work through, and problem solve in any given situation. You are necessary and needed.
Reflecting on Esther…
God led me to the story of Esther. Purim is the time of year that the Jewish people read Esther’s story. They do this to commemorate a time they were in exile. The Persian Empire conquered the Jewish people, God protected them. What sticks out to me about Esther is that her elder cousin, Mordecai, raised her. Could you imagine your cousin raising you? My cousin babysat for us as kids and she was close in maturity to my older sister. We often made homemade popcorn on the stovetop. The first time she was trying to do this, a small fire happened in the pan. Us kids went out in the yard in a safe and orderly manner. My cousin and older sister handled the small pan flames and put out the fire. No harm, no foul is what they say. Times were different in Esther’s upbringing.
Everyone depending on you…
They attribute the story of God saving them through Esther’s bravery. God will save His people. Esther had a teachable spirit. She sought wisdom, considered the counsel of others, and kept God at the center. The first step God took her through brought her to being Queen. She hid her heritage and didn’t tell them of her background. She was only to carry certain items and leave others behind that would give her lineage away. That path moved her to the throne, with God’s help. Mordecai discovered that Haman had persuaded the king to issue a ruling ordering the extermination of Jews. He told Esther that she was their only hope and in the right position to move.
How did Esther work through this feat?
She took what her guardian said and sought wisdom outside of herself and all humans, through God. Mordecai gave her the intel on the situation and what needed to happen and she chose to heed his words. Esther asked for the Jewish people to pray and fast with her for 3 days, and they did. Esther received what she needed. This came in the form of clarity in directions and courage from God. The former matter at hand being her death and the latter being her people would perish. The choice was hers. She didn’t have to choose the path she did.
What if she didn’t?
Just think if Esther didn’t listen to one little piece. If she brought something she shouldn’t, said something she shouldn’t, or any misstep at all. Her life would be in grave danger, literally. Plus, her whole nations life would be at stake. What a massive responsibility that was. All of us would have died with Jesus being in the bloodline of these people. How would He come to save us from our sin. Jesus needed to live, die, and rise again for our salvation. This adds to the depth of what was placed on her shoulders.
This goes to say…
First, it’s important to put God first in everything we do. He knows all, sees all, and will direct and lead our steps. Second, to know what He is saying for us to do, we need to read His word, reflect, and fast as led to. This is the process of how we ask, seek, and knock to find the answers. Third, this is where I am in my walk with God, I want to share my journey with you for encouragement. I assure you that I pray for God to lead me as I write this blog and post. This helps to keep Him first and stay out of His way. I have a team to help me in accountability and they review my posts. The work I do is for Him and He works through me. To God be the glory.
Scripture…
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. ~Proverbs 1:7