Day 16 – Esther 4:1-17
Opening Prayer: Father, when I face circumstances that look hopeless remind me who You are and what You have done. Keep me from despair for You are the God of hope!
Read: Esther 4:1-17
In your 4R journal:
- Record: After reading this short story, what verse stood out to you?
- Respond: Write a short prayer of praise in response to what God has shown you.
Hopelessness can be paralyzing, especially when there is no possibility of human intervention. The laws of the King of Persia could not be revoked. Therefore, the Jews in all 127 provinces were going to be killed and their belongings plundered. Can you feel the despair in the heart of Mordecai and all the Jews in Susa? Close your eyes and imagine the wailing (lamenting) that could have been heard throughout the city.
Meanwhile, Esther heard about Mordecai’s distress and was also grieved. Yet, it wasn’t until Mordecai ordered her to petition the King that she hesitated. I imagine her saying, “Um, did I hear you right? You do realize I might die, don’t you?”
Mordecai replied prophetically, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14 NASB).
Reflection:
- Have you ever been asked to do something difficult and scary?
- Who did God provide to encourage you?
My Verse: Esther 4:16, “Go assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go into the King, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish” (NASB).
My Response: Thank You for prayer, LORD! Thank You for brothers and sisters who intercede and for Your faithful and loving response to those prayers.
Did you see the “and thus I will go” in the last sentence? Esther had already determined to obey Mordecai and go to the King on the third day! However, the fasting (and prayer) she asked for was an outward pleading for deliverance, wisdom, and favor from God before she approached the King. This is so powerful! Obedience was never an issue. Esther was willing to risk her life but not without the power and presence of God. No doubt she knew the stories of Joseph, Moses, and David. And, like Joseph, she was put in a position of power to save the Jews. Like Moses, she was ill-equipped, fearful, and obedient. Like David she was faithful and courageous and cried out to God.
I love how this chapter ends. Mordecai “did just as Esther had commanded him.”
Mutual submission is rare and refreshing, isn’t it? We are in for a treat as we see how God orchestrates deliverance in unexpected ways, as He most always does.
Father, thank you for hearing our heartfelt prayers and always being willing to respond for our good. Your ways are not our ways but Your ways are ALWAYS perfect and good.
The next step:
When the Spirit leads, in the comment section below, chose a response to share:
- Have you ever been asked to do something difficult and scary?
- Who did God provide to encourage you?
Or
- Share your 4R Response
