As my friend Jon would say, “What a woman!”
Only she wasn’t yet; possibly just a preteen.
Recently we joined family in Branson, Missouri attending the live production of Esther in the Sight and Sound Theater. The town offers more things to do and places to see than I can list; I will focus on Esther.
There are many ways we could identify with her. Hold that thought.
In her youth, Esther was an orphan, taken in by a cousin. She was well cared for, but what jumped out at me was her upbringing prior to being orphaned. At a young age, she was taught to depend upon her Creator.
Only the proverbial rug was pulled out from under her. The rules of the land hit home. It was back in the day of women having no say in their future that she was forced to enter into a beauty contest. I’m trying not to spoil this true story that sounds unbelievable.
Given six months to prepare for the winning, I envision every Mary Kay and Avon lady entering the scene selling their products. Likewise with the jewelers hoping to make a profit at beaty enhancement. Dieticians may have been part of the mix, advising which foods will provide the sexiest figure.
Times were changing fast, no thanks to a foolish king and his advisors. Power, jealousy and hatred reigned in the palace, headquarters for how the people of the nation will live. Murder was an undercurrent in those who served the powers that be.
Maybe this story impacted me because of our recent Fathers’ Day. How the teaching from her parents who were no more played out in her circumstances. One line was all it took to make a difference in my life so I will share it with you. It’s not verbatim but as I remember it.
“Perhaps this is why you are here, for such a time as this.”
Young Esther made a difference, not just in her own life but the life of her people, her nation as a whole. She did all she could do. All she could do was have a conversation with her Creator, and if she died, then so be it.
She prayed the prayer that cannot fail. It’s not common knowledge what that prayer is, so I will tell you. Ask that events would be in accordance with the Creators’ will.
I’m here to tell you that takes guts. How many things occur in our lives that we have no control of? Yet to tell the Creator of the Universe that the results will be okay with us?
It takes more than guts. It takes faith and trust in a loving Creator. That can be hard to fathom if the father you know on earth is anything but loving. The Father in heaven is just that and more. He provides in ways beyond comprehension. Just ask Esther.
Don’t take my word. Read all about it in the Good Book.
Oh! One more thing. When you read it, note that no where in her story is the mention of God. Yet he was with her in the middle of her circumstances. Just like he is involved in your life, even if there is no mention of him.
Because of that, you can make a difference in the world around you.
© jb katke
One Day Wonders with JBK 