Preparing for Our Royal Wedding I

Preparing for Our Royal Wedding: Esther's Courage: Trusting God's Plan 

Esther's story is a profound example of courage, faith, and trusting in God's sovereign plan, especially when faced with life-threatening circumstances. It teaches us that God can use ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary things when they step out in faith.

Story of Esther 

The biblical account of Esther is a captivating narrative of God's providence working through human agency. Esther, a young Jewish woman living in exile, found herself unexpectedly elevated to the position of queen of Persia. This ascension wasn't merely a stroke of luck, but a divine positioning that would later prove crucial for the survival of her people.

The pivotal moment in Esther's story comes when she learns of a plot to annihilate the Jewish people. Faced with the decision to risk her life by approaching the king uninvited – an act punishable by death – Esther's response demonstrates remarkable courage and faith. Her famous words, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16), reveal a woman who understood that her position came with great responsibility and that sometimes, faith requires action in the face of fear.

I vividly recall watching "One Night With The King," a cinematic adaptation of Esther's story. The film brought to life the opulence of the Persian court, the intensity of the political intrigue, and the personal struggles Esther faced. It portrayed her journey from a simple Jewish girl to a queen wrestling with her identity and purpose. This visual narrative deepened my appreciation for the complexities of Esther's situation and the magnitude of her courage.

The film highlighted how Esther had to navigate not only the dangerous politics of the royal court but also the internal conflict of hiding her Jewish identity. It beautifully illustrated the tension between her loyalty to her people and her duty as queen, making her eventual decision to risk everything even more poignant.

Bible Verse

"And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" - Esther 4:14

This verse, spoken by Esther's cousin Mordecai, encapsulates the heart of Esther's story. It reminds us that God often places us in specific situations for His greater purposes, even when we can't see the full picture. This concept of divine timing and positioning is a thread that runs throughout Scripture, from Joseph in Egypt to Daniel in Babylon, and now Esther in Persia.

Call to Action Let Esther's courage inspire you to trust God's plan for your life:

Reflect on times when God has positioned you for a specific purpose. Consider your current roles and relationships. How might God be using your unique position to make a difference?

Pray for courage to act when faced with challenging situations. Like Esther, we may find ourselves in positions where speaking up or taking action is risky. Ask God for the strength to do what's right, even when it's difficult.

Fast and pray, as Esther did, when seeking God's guidance in difficult decisions. This spiritual discipline can help clear your mind and align your heart with God's will.

Look for opportunities to be an advocate for others. Esther used her position to speak up for those who couldn't speak for themselves. How can you use your influence to help others?

Things To Remember

God's timing is perfect, even when we don't understand it. Trust that He is working behind the scenes, even when circumstances seem dire.

Courage often means acting despite our fears. True bravery isn't the absence of fear, but moving forward in spite of it.

Our current position may be part of God's larger plan. Stay alert to the ways God might be calling you to use your influence.

Faith sometimes requires us to step out of our comfort zone. Growth often happens when we're challenged to do more than we think we're capable of.

Remember, we are all preparing for Our Royal Wedding.