Queen Esther

"Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?"  Esther 4:14 NLT

Queen Esther is a portrait of a strong and noble woman of character. Her feminine strength shows God's beautiful design for women. He uses all those traits He designed in women for His glory. Queen Esther is a true role model. Women like Esther aren't praised in today's society, but they are cherished in God's heart.

Esther came from humble beginnings and was appointed queen by King Xerxes. She was raised by her cousin, Mordecai after her parents died. She gained favor with the King, who selected her to be queen and was said to be selected based on her beauty. She could have taken her newly found status, power and beauty and let it go to her head. Instead, she wanted to be of service to her people.

When Esther hears of Haman's plot to kill the Jews, she says that she will speak to King Xerxes herself, at the risk of death. (she risked her life because she requested to see the king when he had not requested her presence) “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” Esther 4:16-17 (NLT)

Because Esther had gained favor with King Xerxes he asked her to come forward and speak. She told him of the plot to kill the Jews and he heard her plea. She had gained favor throughout time with the king not only based on her beauty but her character.

Esther displayed true strength. She never asked to be queen but then used it for the good of her people. She planned and asked her cousin Mordecai and the Jewish people to fast for her. She wanted to go and ask the King in a wise way to spare her people. She was human. She must have felt fear, but regardless of that fear she went ahead because she knew it was the right thing to do. She had a clear vision of what to do, and she didn't shrink from it. She searched for and found the strength to do the right thing. She didn't wait for anyone to tell her that it was her place to do it and what to do. She looked deep within herself and knew it was her that could make a difference. She didn't selfishly say no and ask someone else to go before the king. She was placed in the palace at that time but still had a choice of what her role would be in that situation. She could have remained silent and her people would not have been saved.

“If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor with him, and if he thinks it is right, and if I am pleasing to him, let there be a decree that reverses the orders of Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, who ordered that Jews throughout all the king’s provinces should be destroyed. For how can I endure to see my people and my family slaughtered and destroyed?”  Esther 8:5-6 NLT

God had a plan for Queen Esther and she fulfilled that plan and relied on God's strength. But she had a choice, and she chose the right thing. God put her in that palace at that time to serve Him and she obeyed.

Esther was brave, noble, strong, courageous, had strong character and was willing to act. She didn't go off of her beauty or flirtations. She desired to do the right thing and stepped out of her comfort zone to do so. 

 Esther is a wonderful example of a woman of God. We can step up and have strength and courage in our lives no matter what our situations. We may not have the same conflicts to deal with that she did. But we may be in a position to help our families, help another friend or family member God has placed in our lives, train our children and love them, or step up when our husbands need us. It doesn't mean it is going to be easy and it doesn't mean it won't come without self sacrifice. We have to be willing to do it without being asked and because it is the right thing to do. 

I encourage women everywhere- wives, mothers, single women, older women, to step up to the role in their lives that God has put in front of them. Fill in those gaps that are right before you and be the person that God has put in place "for such a time as this." The world desperately needs to see women like you! Like Esther, be obedient, and trust God for the outcome.




Lord, help me to see the areas I may not be stepping up to in my life that I need to fulfill. Show me the things you have for only me to accomplish at this time of my life and give me the strength, energy and courage to fulfill them.


The Bible has a lot to say about women of character. A few proverbs are below. I think that they can be applied to any woman, married or not, to become a Godly woman of virtue at every stage of life.


"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
Proverbs 31:30

"The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain." Proverbs 31:11

"An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels." Proverbs 31:10

 

May God's peace and wisdom be with you as you build your own wall of God's truth.