Publisher’s Points to Ponder: Celebrating Women: Queen Esther
In celebration of National Women’s History month, my first thought was about Esther and her influential role in the Bible. While facing what some may consider horrible adversity, Esther’s overall demeanor is still a driving force for advocacy in 2021. While Esther did not willingly step into her role, she embraced the task with the utmost dignity and grace.
Women can learn so much about leadership by studying Esther’s character. Every time I read this book in the Bible, there is a new lesson that I understand. The book is fluid with varying themes such as security, courage, humility and purpose. During this season in my life, I find myself fluctuating among all four. At this moment, my biggest lesson is purpose. I have realized that God has a unique purpose for all of us, and we find that purpose in every situation in which He places us. It’s true. You have a purpose in your role at your job, or as a housewife, a stay-at-home mom, a community leader, or as a servant in your church.
Like Esther, we are not always aware of what our purpose is. When we fail to realize why we are in a particular situation, we must rely on God’s guidance. We must stand tall on our foundation of faith to see what God sees and to hear what God hears. It is extremely easy for me to forget about my purpose for living in Olney and serving at the local newspaper. However, when I remove God from the picture and place my selfish desires first, that is when I become frustrated and fatigued in serving. I sometimes believe that my way—my reasoning and logic—is better than God. Can you relate to my foolish notion? Of course, God’s way is always best. As stated in His Word, “He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.”
Esther was a smart woman. Her beauty may have opened the door to the king’s heart, but her intelligence and reliance on God are what caused the king to respect and favor her. Before she made a life-threatening decision to go before the king with a concern without being summoned, she asked all her prayer warriors to fast and pray. Esther thoroughly understood that her position as the queen did not protect her from the fatal consequences of her petition to King Xerxes, nor was her position her purpose. She knew that she was called to that position for a reason, “…for such a time as this,” Esther 4:14.
The modern woman should take notes on Esther’s character and allow her characteristics to be the benchmark for excellence in every role. We must discover our purpose in every position, and we must be willing to seek God in all things, in all decisions, on all occasions. Most importantly, we must choose faith over fear and conquer every situation courageously. Esther’s renowned acknowledgment of purpose and courage is written in Esther 4:16, “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My attendants and I will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”