“When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go into the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king’s eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. And when 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, the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther’s feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity.” Ester 2:15-18

We love Ester because of her fearlessness! Ester was a young lady known for her trust in God amidst turbulent times.  After the tragic death of both her father and mother, she was left alone. God kindly provided for under the authority of her uncle Mordecai. In God’s providence, she had the opportunity to become queen.  The king was a pagan and immoral ruler. It must have been scary for Ester to follow her uncle’s advice to go to the palace to request to be seen by the king. Yet, she went. She did so carefully following the instructions of her leader. It was an act of submission that contrasts the one of the former queen—Vashti. In this simple act of courage, God was preparing her heart for a bigger act of faith that lay ahead where she’d risk her life to save those of her people. God rewarded Ester for her faith and that of Mordecai who must have been praying for her. She won favor from the king. Mordecai also gained the king’s favor and was given an open door to be placed in a high position in the palace. The Lord placed Ester in the royal seat to accomplish salvation for her family and her people—God’s people. It was not for her reputation or glory but in order to bring salvation to His people and glorify Himself.

God’s sovereignty is seen in how He uses even pagan rulers and worldly systems to bring about His purposes and save His children.  No matter what our government and world look like we can take refuge in God’s saving character and faithfulness to His children. The basis of God’s love is not ourselves. The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of His perfect standard. God’s favor is given to us by His grace and love. The greatest demonstration of His love was in sending Jesus to give up His life for ours. Now as a response to His kindness we are to be moved by gratitude and joy into obedience out of our thankfulness for His goodness and love. Faithful obedience starts with the little things every day that help us respond better to the bigger tests of our resolve to honor God. Sometimes, mature believers are used by God to help push us toward this kind of courageous and risky obedience like that demonstrated by Ester and even Mordecai who encouraged her to be brave.

Father God, you are in control of all things–times and seasons and governments.  We take refuge in Your protection and provision.  May we trust in Your providence and sovereignty and be moved with faithful resolve to the ways You seek to use to grow our faith and accomplish your purposes. May your will be done in us on earth as is in heaven. For Your glory and kingdoms’ sake.