MARCH 18

Esther 4:15-17

AND IF I PERISH, I PERISH

Esther made up her mind to go in to the king. It was not an easy decision. She had to submit herself at the mercy of God to grant her smooth passage to speak to the king. Yes, Esther was afraid to die. But the initial fear was soon replaced with the desire to do God’s will for the deliverance of her people. She told Mordecai to command every Jew in Shushan to fast for her for three days. Esther and her maid servants would also fast. During this time of fasting and prayer, they would plead and beg for the mercies of God to be with Esther first, before she went to plead with the king. What an important lesson here! Before we seek for men’s help, we must seek God’s help in prayer. For is it not the Lord who moves the hearts of men?

Esther’s parting words to Mordecai were "and if I perish, I perish". Contrast this to verse 11, where Esther gives excuses not to speak to the king. Many words are spoken when we try to justify our disobedience. But when we trust and obey, few words need be said. We simply accept His leading and go to do His work.

Dear reader, are you resisting God’s will in your life to follow what He has called you to do? Has He put a burden in your heart? It may be to serve in church, or to be a friend to someone in need, or to share the gospel with your unbelieving family and friends. Like Esther, you are perfectly placed in that unique position to be used by the Lord. Why don’t you trust in the Lord, and go?

Here’s a song to sing and meditate upon:
I wonder, have I done my best for Jesus,
Who died upon the cruel tree?
To think of His great sacrifice at Calv’ry!
I know my Lord expects the best from me.
How many are the lost that I have lifted?
How many are the chained I’ve helped to free?
I wonder, have I done my best for Jesus,
When He has done so much for me?

Thought: Consider the price of your salvation. Have you done your best for Jesus?
Prayer: Father in Heaven, I gladly submit to Your leading. Grant me strength and perfect peace to do that which You have called me to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.