Dec
23
Written by:
Route 365
12/23/2010 5:00 AM
Week 51 : Day 4
Esther 4
by Fran Palma
Everyone has their “10.” It’s that point on the scale where you know you have to do something, make a move, and the courage to do it is there. I’ve reached that point a few times in my life, and each time, God has been faithful to see me through. It is a point at which the level of courage is inexplicable, and dependence on God is 100%. Fear may be simmering just below the surface, but a “Bring it” attitude prevails. Esther reached her 10 after her first response to Mordecai’s plea didn’t cut it. At that point, it seemed that Esther was at about 5 on the scale. Mordecai’s words were direct and heavy, jolting Esther out of her fear of approaching the king uninvited and the sure death that follows such an act.
The word “bystander” comes up again, as it did on Day 2 of this week. It takes courage to not be a bystander, because in doing so, we place ourselves in a position of vulnerability. Not a good feeling. Yet, in that very place of vulnerability, we open the door to being a participant in the unfolding of God’s plan and purpose in our lives. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place.” (Esther 4:14). Esther could have missed out on an incredible opportunity to be a key player in the deliverance of the Jews.
“When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16b). I would like to be courageously obedient, like Esther, and to take hold of the opportunity to see God work. How about you?
Your fellow traveler,
Fran
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