PREPARATION OVER IMPULSIVITY
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,
but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
Proverbs 21:5 (NLT)
Esther was a young girl when she was adopted by her cousin, Mordecai, and taken to the palace by King Xerxes. Despite her elevated position, approaching the king without an invitation was illegal and could lead to death. When Mordecai urges her to plead for mercy for their people, Esther hesitates, citing the law and the fact that she hasn't been summoned in thirty days. However, Mordecai disputes her excuses with a powerful reminder: Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14b).
Esther's actions from this point forward mark a significant transformation in her character. No longer willing to remain passive, she decides to take proactive steps through careful preparation. One aspect that often goes unrecognized is her intelligence; instead of impulsively pleading for the king's support, she seeks God's guidance first and commands Mordecai to join her in fasting for three days. Afterward, dressed in her royal garments, she stands in the inner court of the palace, facing the king's hall. Although she must feel fearful inside, the king notices her and is pleased, extending his peace to her with the gold scepter in his hand. When he asks her what her request is, Esther invites him and Haman to a two-day banquet she has prepared. Esther is observant and keen; she knows her husband enjoys being wined and dined, so she carefully prepares to please him. The time she takes to set the scene for her request to the king allows God to work in ways she cannot see.
Don't underestimate how God can use waiting and preparation to His advantage. Before Esther approached the king, she felt hesitant and anxious, but after fasting, she was spiritually strengthened. Aware that her decision could lead to death, she famously told Mordecai: ...if I perish, I perish (Esther 4:16). Her faithfulness in relying on God was not wasted. Once the king showed her favor at the throne, she realized God was with her and guiding her every step of the way as she carried out her plan, and ultimately God's.
APPLICATION: How do you cope when God feels distant? Remember, He is always at work, even when His presence feels absent. Take a moment to pause and reconnect with Him through prayer, fasting or worship.
PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for always working in my favor. May I remain faithful even when times are uncertain or unclear. I ask that You open my eyes so that I may see You moving around me. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?