Text by Emelita Vargas-Anderson
Read:
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Esther 4:16 NASB
16 "Go, gather all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants also will fast in the same way. And then I will go in to the king, which is not in accordance with the law; and if I perish, I perish."
Reflect:
One of the most notable female characters in the Bible is Esther. In her time in history, she was the beautiful Jewish queen married to Persian King Ahasuerus. At that same period, an order of annihilation for Jews in the empire. This means imminent death unless there is divine intervention. At certain times in a woman’s life, pivotal moments come where the most critical decisions are placed upon your head. Daunting challenges come when there is greater influence and a greater area of responsibility. You would assume that Esther while being the Queen, has power. Yet even if she was the Queen, she still submitted to the King. She wrestled with doubts; if she fights for her principles – she will perish.
What does a strong woman do to solidify her uncertainties? First things first, we use the most basic yet most vital powerful weapon God has given us. No rash decision inciting rebellion, instead, she asked her people to PRAY and FAST with her for 3 days. She chose to fight through spiritual warfare and ultimately won the battle unseen by the naked eye. Esther sought God first, the true King of all Kings. The strategy in wisdom is to have full confidence to boldly speak to the King without fear. Found in favor, she saved the generations of Jews from death. Death as a life sentence, indeed, to be spared from death is another chance at life for generations. This is still celebrated as of today – PURIM is a holiday that commemorates the saving of the Jewish people.
Respond:
In this world where we do need to free the Jews, stand up, be an Esther to the lives of others – the impact ripples a lifetime or a generation. We can all be Esthers – just look around you. We have Esthers who have been freed. But there are also a lot of Esthers still trapped in abuse, violence, and toxicity; enslaved and silenced without a voice. Encourage other Esthers; bring life, speak encouragement, and save others from the verge of death – a life without God.
Emelita Vargas Anderson is known to some as Emily but her closest friends and family call her Honey. She's an IT Professional and a Children’s Book Author working in NYC. She writes to inspire, motivate, encourage, and empower happiness. What she likes most about the Word of God is that it remains true in all generations. For her, the Word will forever be her guide in everything that she does in life.
AUTHOR: Emelita Vargas Anderson