Today’s scripture: Esther 3:1-15
No matter who we are, where we are or what we do, some adversarial challenge is lurking behind a bush, waiting to jump out at the time we least suspect. Fear is no respecter of persons. Esther was no exception.
Some say the book of Esther covered a ten-year span. If this is the case, she had a chance to become comfortable with her new royal lifestyle. She was safe within the palace walls and, even though she was at a place she didn’t want to be, it probably wasn’t too difficult to slip into complacency.
Adversity showed itself through Haman, one of the king’s officials who became miffed at Mordecai (Esther’s cousin) who refused to feed Haman’s gigantic ego when he didn’t bow in his presence. Instead of focusing solely on Mordecai for what he considered disrespect, Haman decided to punish the entire Jewish population in Persia for one man’s misdeeds.
When Mordecai heard of Haman’s wicked plan, he immediately sent word to the one he knew could intervene—Queen Esther. Upon hearing the news, Esther went into self-protective mode, giving excuses why she couldn’t/wouldn’t assist the Jews. That’s when Mordecai countered with the challenging question—“Who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this.” It worked. Esther took a risk and created a plan to rescue her people and bring Haman down.
Fear has a paralyzing effect. If we’re not careful, we can be in the right place at the right time but be totally immobile. If you want to move forward, take a risk and face your fears. You might be pleasantly surprised at what happens.
- What makes you afraid? How can you “face your fears?”