Esther 7:3-4 NIV — Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.”
This week we have been sharing the story of Esther. This is the only book in the Bible that does not mention God. We invite you to look for God throughout the week.
In today’s reading, Esther goes before the king to petition her request to save the Jews. She exhibited Godly confidence that she had gained through fasting and waiting on God’s time.
Where is God in today’s reading? Queen Esther had the favor of God. Not only was she a Jew but a female. It took great risk to go before the King, yet she fasted and positioned herself for God’s favor. On this Faith Friday, how will you use your time of waiting?
Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for giving me the Godly confidence I need to petition my requests. I desire to be an Esther for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Esther 4:12-16 NIV — When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
This week we have been sharing the story of Esther. This is the only book in the Bible that does not mention God. We invite you to look for God throughout the week.
Mordecai empowered Esther by telling her that it was no accident that she was positioned in the King’s court during this time. He steps on my toes when he tells Esther that if she doesn’t act, God will call someone else to act. Esther’s response to initiate a fast, reminds us that we can rely on God to position us in our time of need.
Where is God in today’s reading? Although God isn’t mentioned, He works through Esther to join others in a fast so that relief will come to the Jews. Will you give back to God this Thankful Thursday by allowing Him to use you?
Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your goodness that follows me all the days of my life. I desire to be an Esther for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Esther 3:2-4 NIV — All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor. Then the royal officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why do you disobey the king’s command?” Day after day they spoke to him but he refused to comply. Therefore they told Haman about it to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated, for he had told them he was a Jew.
This week we have been sharing the story of Esther. This is the only book in the Bible that does not mention God. We invite you to look for God throughout the week.
Today’s key verse takes place after Haman had just been elevated by the king. Mordecai infuriated Haman because he wouldn’t bow to him. Meanwhile Haman tried to get back at Mordecai by plotting to have all the Jews killed as we read in Esther 3:6 NIV — Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.
Where is God in today’s reading? I can’t imagine how paralyzing the news of Haman’s plot must have been to all Jews. Although there are times when the enemy plots against us, God’s plan for our lives can’t be thwarted. Will you use this Water Walking Wednesday to walk toward God’s plan for your life?
Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for protecting me from the schemes set by the enemy. I desire to be an Esther for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Esther 2:5-7 NIV — Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, among those taken captive with Jehoiachin king of Judah. Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.
This week we will be sharing the story of Esther. This is the only book in the Bible that does not mention God. We invite you to look for God throughout the week.
The story takes place with a pagan leader, King Ahasuerus reigning over Persia. As you read in today’s verses, Esther and her cousin Mordecai were Jewish. The King is looking for a new wife after he banishes Queen Vashti, and Esther is in the running. Mordecai doesn’t want Esther to reveal that she is Jewish as we read in Esther 2:10 NIV — Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so.
Where is God in today’s reading? I love that God uses Esther who was adopted by her cousin and watched over her. This reminds me of how God has adopted us and watches over you and me. Will you use this Testify Tuesday to share your adoption story to bring others to Christ Jesus?
Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for adopting me into Your kingdom and giving me new life. Thank You for watching over me. I desire to be an Esther for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This week we will be sharing the story of Esther. This is the only book in the Bible that does not mention God. We invite you to look for God throughout the week.
Take time today to meditate on this week’s scripture verses.
Esther 2:5-7 NIV — Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, among those taken captive with Jehoiachin king of Judah. Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.
Esther 2:10 NIV — Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so.
Esther 3:2-4 NIV — All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor. Then the royal officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why do you disobey the king’s command?” Day after day they spoke to him but he refused to comply. Therefore they told Haman about it to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated, for he had told them he was a Jew.
Esther 3:6 NIV — Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.
Esther 4:12-16 NIV — When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
Esther 7:3-4 NIV — Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.”
Esther 8:11,16-17 NIV — The king’s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attack them and their women and children, and to plunder the property of their enemies. For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor. In every province and in every city to which the edict of the king came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.
This week we will be sharing the story of Esther. This is the only book in the Bible that does not mention God. We invite you to look for God throughout the week.
Take a moment to worship with the following songs.
The Power of a Prayer by Luke Combs and George Straight. Some of the lyrics sing, “trust in the Lord, He’s got a bigger plan.”
Goodness of God by CeCe Winans. Some of the lyrics sing, “all my days I’ve been held in Your hand.”
As we have walked through and revisited loss, mourning and grief this week I have been able to savor the beautiful memories of comfort I have experienced.
During the recent loss of my father in-law, Larry, our family was overwhelmed by all of the love and support we received. We were flooded by friends and family who were agents of comfort. I would like to share some that meant the most to me.
A few moments after Larry passed away, we all texted or called to notify others. The first phone call my husband received back was from our pastor who asked to pray with us. Clark put the call on speaker as we all gathered around my mother in-law in prayer. For that one moment the hands of time stopped as we all collectively called out to God for mercy, grace, and comfort. What a beautiful agent of comfort.
The relentless and tireless comfort given by the funeral home will always be etched in my mind. What a beautiful agent of comfort.
My college roommate was the first one at our house the next morning. She brought Chic-fil-a chicken minis and fruit. She sat and talked with me as the events of the night before sank in. What a beautiful agent of comfort.
One of my best friends ran errands with me and helped me think through choices. She even bought plants for my front porch to be a welcoming greeting as visitors arrived. What a beautiful agent of comfort.
The texts, phone calls, and visits from far and near were continuous. The idea that so many took time from their own busy schedules to be present was overwhelming. What beautiful agents of comfort.
The continuous outpouring of snacks, meals, drinks, and paper products were examples of love and generosity. What beautiful agents of comfort.
The abundance of flowers sent and trees planted in Larry’s memory will forever be reminders of his sweet memory. What beautiful agents of comfort.
I will always savor all of these beautiful agents of comfort. My prayer is that I will also be an agent of comfort to others when they experience loss and grief.
Water Walkers 