Reading Days 35-42

Nehemiah 13:15-Psalms 89:13
Just One
Esther is my hero! It was through a study of her about 12 years ago that I decided to trust the Lord with all my heart. She helped me see that even I am important to God. Well, let’s jump right into her story where wicked Hamen is successful at influencing the king with his selfish agenda – let’s get rid of those Jews who won’t bow down to you oh arrogant king. And of course the king fell for it. Pander to a leader’s pride & he’ll be influenced every time (unless he’s standing firm in the Word). So here we are with the first Holocaust at hand and what is God’s solution? Send in one, just one, to stand in the gap. At first Esther wavered. But after Mordecai’s encouragement --- Stand. Speak. Die. but whatever you do, don’t be silent!(Esther 4:13-14)--- she owned the fight and said, “if I perish, I perish.” It’s like Patrick Henry’s “give me liberty or give me death.” This part of Esther’s response is challenging enough to us, but the other part of her response is even more challenging – she waited three days. She determined to wait on the Lord and allow Him to guide her thoughts and help her frame her words. During a waiting period such as this, God is not only working in our hearts but in others’ as well. It reminds me of Isaiah 40:31 (we’re not there yet but go ahead & take a peek). Waiting. Patience. Ugh! It’s definitely one of my weaknesses. The rest of Esther’s story is history.



God sent just one. Don’t underestimate the influence of one. Don’t underestimate you: your vote, your convictions, your determination to say, “I stand against (or for) this!” What does it matter if we get involved or not? It matters immensely – it matters to our character. I know you’re probably thinking that God has other ways to accomplish His plan. And yes, it’s true that God has other people He can use, but when that happens, WE end up the losers. When we have been called for “such a time as this,” how tragic if we’re not there to stand at that time. We are thankful for the just ones in history that stood in the gap when they were called: Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Wilberforce, Spurgeon, and Moody. How brave and reliant on the Lord they must have been.


We need to stop being so careful about protecting our own backside and stop worrying about what others will think. We don’t answer to them. We answer to Him. Only when we move from the safe shelter of assumption to the risky world of reality do we actually make a difference. We are great on evangelical, theological, and moral suppositions. But we are not “saved” for suppositions. We’re “saved” for doing something (Eph 2). God so loved the world that he did something. He didn’t select a committee. He didn’t stand around theorizing. He didn’t wring His hands in sorrow over our sins. He did something! He sent us Christ, just one. And in turn, the Son of God said to God the Father, “I will go.” We believe in the person of Jesus Christ, who died & rose again that we might live….and make a difference. Does just one make a difference? Did Esther? Does Christ? Do you? You bet!

Stay firm in the Word! - Ingrid


*portions taken from Charles Swindoll’s book, Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity-highly recommend any reading by Swindoll to enhance your spriritual growth!