New Beginnings... Esther

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One of my favourite women in the Bible is Esther – I’ve even done a whole Bible study on her previously, which was shared with the LMPS ladies at the time – 2010/2011! For me, there’s just something about a beautiful woman of substance who really knows God… It’s the ultimate attraction… the total package! Her relationship with God makes her even more beautiful.  You know what I’m talking about… Sometimes, people look at you and exclaim: “you have such a glow! What are you doing? What are you eating? What cream are you using?” And you smile and say, “Nothing ooh… I’m even stressed”.  Ladies, I submit to you, that you’re at your most beautiful when you’re in close fellowship with God.  Start noticing it from now. Remember how Moses used to come out with his face glowing after each encounter with the Lord? That’s how we are, or that’s how we should be… Our Christianity should be joyful and exciting.  I’m not promising you a trouble-free life, such a thing doesn’t exist, but what I promise you is that in whatever storm you pass through, you won’t lose your peace or your joy because you know He who holds the keys to your tomorrow!

Now, back to Esther… She was an orphan.. She had neither father nor mother and was brought up by some relative – her Father was Mordecai’s uncle.  Esther received an amazing New Beginning when she became Queen and then a second New Beginning when she saved her people from destruction! Please take some time to read the Book of Esther in detail, it is a beautiful Book! Let’s take a very brief look at Esther, who she was, what was so “special” about her and how she entered into her New Beginning!

Before we look at Esther, let’s take a quick look at Queen Vashti – the woman who was unceremoniously dumped as Queen because she disobeyed her husband. See, when it comes to the issue of dealing with men, whether you are a Queen or a slave girl, the same general rules apply. Men need respect, both in private and especially in front of friends, peers, colleagues etc. Ladies, we need to be diplomatic and tactful.  It doesn’t matter if we earn more or less than our husbands do or are more prominent than they are, the fact is that we are called to honour them and (yes, I am actually going to say it), submit to them.

Esther was obedient – Mordecia told her not to reveal her heritage and she obeyed.  Can you see a trend? Abraham, Hannah, Ruth and Esther all displayed traits of obedience.

Esther made proper use of her preparatory period and she sought advice from the right quarters.  What are you doing with your preparatory stage?  Sometimes, we’re so concerned about the length of the period of “waiting” that we fail to turn the wait into a period of preparation!

Esther was wise – she asked for and heeded advice.  Again, this is a trait Ruth also displayed when she asked her mother-in-law for advice and heeded it! Esther was humble – she didn’t take praise for other’s glory.

Esther was compassionate – again another trait Ruth had.  She didn’t passively empathise with Mordecai and the Jews, she was proactive! Esther was also informed – she made sure she knew all the facts about the situation.

Esther was cautious! She knew there were risks, acknowledged them and handed all over to God.

Esther was a praying woman.  Before she took any action, she had a period of intense prayer and fasting.  Esther understood that battles are won before you get to the battlefield.

Esther had a way with words, she knew when to speak, when to keep silent and she understood how to speak. She knew how to ask for what she needed while still making the king feel like a man! Esther also understood the importance of timing – she made sure the king was comfortable before making her request.

Ladies, Queen Esther had so many amazing qualities that helped her experience not just one but TWO New Beginnings!  I encourage each one of us to take a bit of time to read through the book of Esther and we’ll also share a bit more detail on each one of her traits, with accompanying Bible verses, subsequently!

On a side note, can I just add that through Esther, even Mordecai received a New Beginning!  Ladies, you can be a blessing to others if you do things right and position yourself to be used by God!

Beginnings in every area of your life!

God bless you!

xxx