MARCH 11

Esther 2:12-15

ESTHER OBTAINED FAVOUR FROM ALL

It seemed a bit like an exam didn’t it? After 1 year of intense preparation, each woman would now take turns to be assessed by king Ahasuerus. He would then decide who was the most attractive based on his own preference. After such a long preparation, it must have been quite nerve-wrecking for them. Would their preparation pay off ? Would the king take notice, or just ignore them?

Before each woman left the house, she could take whatever she desired with her. We can imagine that they wanted to look even better. Perhaps they took with them additional make-up, fragrances, or accessories. But what did Esther take? e Bible makes special mention that she requested for nothing else and only took what Hegai had given her. Yet, when it was Esther’s turn to appear before the king, she did not look less beautiful, but even more than the rest.

Esther was not anxious to snatch or seek for other means in order to impress the king. She just did her best within the means given to her. She had a quiet calm that was unlike the rest of the women. Again, we learn she dared to be different from the rest.

Dear child, this is such an important lesson – to dare to be different from the world. It is good to work hard and do our best. But we should never presume that we can work our way towards success by our efforts alone. God is the one ultimately in control. It was God who gave Esther the unanimous favour and acceptance from everyone that saw her Dear reader, are you trying to work your way to success by your own plans and strength? Commit your ways to the Lord and trust in Him, who is in control!

Read the verses below from Proverbs 3:5-6 and commit it to memory:
                       Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
                   and lean not unto thine own understanding.
                       In all thy ways acknowledge him,
                            and he shall direct thy paths

Thought: God’s way is perfect, and the best for me.
Prayer: Father in Heaven, forgive me when I have put my trust in my own efforts and forget that You are the one in control. Help me to trust in You to direct my paths. In Jesus’ name, Amen.