The first part of this article is here: Lessons from the Bible - The Book of Esther
As we look into the past, it is apparent that God placed Esther in the palace "for such a time as this" Esther 4:14. Not having the luxury of the Bible to read, she had a tough choice to make.
It was no simple matter to see the King. Anyone approaching him without invitation risked being killed before uttering a word. To make matters worse, the King hadn’t requested Esther's presence in a month. Possibly he had cooled toward her.
She must risk her life to approach the King, reveal her identity, and make the request to save her people, or she could remain silent and rest in the apparent security of her lavish surroundings.

Placing her fate in God’s hands "if I perish, I perish" Esther 4:16, she planned her actions.
First, she asked that all the Jews in Susa fast for her three days while she and her maids did the same.
On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and entered the inner court of the palace, standing in view of the King. I’m sure she breathed a sigh of relief when Xerxes extended his golden scepter, summoning her. I think she showed supernatural control for, instead of rushing to him with her plea, she waited for God’s direction, only inviting him and Hamaan to a banquet. At that banquet, still waiting for God’s perfect timing, she invited them to a second banquet!

I’ll pause here to consider what can be learned from Esther’s story so far.
Esther was out of the safe environment of her Jewish home and friends. No one in the palace knew of her heritage and she had influence and security there. Still, she risked her own life to save her people.
Refusing to take matters into her own hands, Esther waited three days.

• In stressful and dangerous situations, can you wait for God’s direction and timing?


• Do you request prayer from fellow believers? Do you join in prayer for others?

2 Chronicles 16:9 .."the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."
1 John 3:16 "This is how we know what love is; Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."

Click here for the exciting Conclusion of Esther's story


Becoming a Woman of Excellence
by Cynthia Heald