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Do you ever reflect on your life's journey to this point and suddenly the struggles, the opportunities and the purpose of certain twists in the path begin to make sense. Hindsight is 20/20.
Today, I found myself wandering back into the book Esther. After her time of being chosen queen...and in God's perfect timing as she would have her chance to choose courage or or let evil win. The path God had set before her was unfolding. She could ignore it or embrace it.
I think I use the word embrace often. I hope not too often. To embrace something means to wrap our arms and our head around the thought, the challenge, the idea or the person. When we embrace something, we commit. Esther had no middle ground to choose. She was all in or all out.
Esther had to be scared. Going to the King and confessing that she was indeed a Jew and shedding light on his trusted pal, Haman's, evil ways. She was taking a huge risk.
Uncle Mordecai spent time in prayer, fasting and sack cloth before she called for him to come and explain what had him so upset. She went from a comfortable spot in the palace to putting her very life on the line. I am sure her stomach flipped, flopped and dropped.
She had survived being orphaned. She survived being thrown into the original "The Bachelor" scenario and chosen by the King...without ever craving the spotlight. She was now forced to decide to risk her life for her people or to let them all be put to death. Her secret was not so secret that her life was at risk, too.
These are Mordecai's words for Esther:
"For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” - Esther 4:14
He was saying, "Baby, you were born for this!"
Servants around her said, "Esther are you nuts?" But, those who knew her likely didn't try to hard to change her mind. They knew that once she made a choice - she committed. Whatever the personal risks might present themselves. She was all in!
So, Esther put her life on the line...her royal life...and her neck. God was with her. He moved the heart of King Ahasuerus, because the man was not known for his gentle ways. Her bold courage was rewarded not punished. She saved her people.
What an example she provides. I am naturally chicken...a safety girl...but she inspires me to cast off the safety of the harbor and sail my ship.
Esther is the subject of a favorite song. Sing it Ear Worm! You can sing along, too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxFCber4TDo
"Born For This". Mandissa's best to date...in my opinion. The song never played on the radio but so worthy a top spot. Children take to this song like few others. "The Violin Song" is what my sweet friend Miles calls it.
Is your story still unfolding...or is this your big moment? Life has many chapters. Some seem unsure as we look down the path, but our God goes with us. "Of whom shall we be afraid?"
Today, I am grateful for moments when destiny unfolds...and Esther's example of courage.
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