As a result of the king’s decree, Esther, along with many other young women, was brought to the king’s harem at the fortress of Susa and placed in Hegai’s care. Hegai was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu for her and provided her with beauty treatments. He also assigned her seven maids specially chosen from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem. Esther 2:8-9
I’m sure I learnt a lot of things during my one and only year at Bible College too many years back now to mention but this is one thing that stuck and stayed with me over the years.
“Christian character affects how far you go and how long you stay there”
Esther is a perfect example of this so we are having another look at her story this week and next.
It seems that it’s Esther’s character that is the star of her story not her famed beauty. Yes her outward beauty offered her the opportunity to be in the running to become Queen but it wasn’t her beauty that made the tough decisions or did the hard work – that was character. Self control and teachability, humility, loyalty, courage and wisdom are the things that go the distance.
Character will serve and keep us when our emotions are ready to sell us down the river without a backwards glance. Esther had a choice about how she would conduct herself. We do too. Esther had her opportunity and we have ours.
“In opportunity lies the real test of character” Dorothy Patterson
Chapter 2 tell us that Esther made an immediate impression on Hegai who was in charge of the harem. So impressed was he that she received all manner of special attention and care. It doesn’t say why he singled Esther out but with so many beautiful girls there I’m thinking it it had to be more than Esther’s beauty that impressed him so greatly. A calm and quiet demeanour? humility? kindness? a calm and confidence not seen in the other girls? God’s favour?
Godliness and good character will always set us apart from the crowd. In this world it get’s noticed by its contrast to the usual. It points people to God more than we know. It shines a light. A kind reply instead of a rude one, owning up to a wrong, repaying a debt, getting the job done right when everyone else is cutting corners, taking responsibility, keeping your word, keeping quiet instead of joining into gossip, accepting a criticism.
So what we do know about Esther is that she kept her cool in a situation that called for anything but cool. On her own in a strange place, her life suddenly at odds, her future uncertain. Girl interrupted – enough to bring out the wild eyed and nasty side of any one of us. Oh she could have made one heck of a fuss, she could have kicked and screamed and really let fly or dug in her heels and refused to cooperate. She could have got all resentful and bitter too and who would blame her but – – – she would have spent the rest of her days languishing in obscurity.
Instead – – – she changed history.
We may not be changing world history but we can change our history, we can rise to the challenges that come our way, the ones that like it or not call for tough decisions and to do the hard thing. The ones that require us to dig deep, trust much and hold fast.
And because, deep down, you are able to trust God. I pray you are able to know He loves you too much to ever abandon you in any situation. Not then, not now, not ever. Susie Davis http://www.susiedavis.org
Much love to you today
Tracey xx
www.waterintowineblog.com
Friday Night Connect
You’re invited – Friday’s around 7 for a catch up, coffee and discussion around the Word. A great way to unwind a little from the week and a sweet start to the weekend.
Save the Date
Saturday the 28th November 3pm will be our end of year Women2Women get together. We are getting in early and having some fun and relaxation at my place before the craziness of the Christmas season kicks in. So please keep the date free. More details next week