I’m Available

Let’s look at Haman. This guy hates Mordecai not just because he’s a Jew, but because Mordecai will not bow down to him. So Haman talks the king into a game plan. “If you follow my rules, I will pour money into your treasury.”

Cultivating Character

Now, before you frown and entertain thoughts of self-righteousness, thinking that you would never have responded like that, remember, you’re surrounded by friends in a safe and unthreatened environment.

Watch Your Words

Have you noticed how suffering brings people together? Have you watched how people join forces to respond to disasters? Hardship forces us to grab hands with one another and pull up closer together.

Make a Difference

Only one missionary invests his whole life in a remote area, and an entire tribe is ultimately evangelized. Only one statesman stands for right, and a country is saved.

Ask and Trust

God does not mock us with the things He includes in His Word. He isn’t in the business of making His people squirm under some unrealistic expectation that they can never attain—something that is totally unique to one person.

A Charming and Graceful Spirit

Clearly, Esther had something about her that caused everyone to “favor” her, from the king to the women in the harem who were competing against her for his attention and affections. I think she must have had a winsomeness about her.

Modesty and Authenticity

Esther exhibited an unselfish modesty and authenticity. Think of it: no job, no responsibility, no cooking, no clean-up, no washing, no ironing, no errands, no budget-watching, no holding back in any area. Imagine!

Servant-Hearted Leaders

Esther sustained a continually teachable spirit. “Mordecai had instructed her that she should not make them known . . . Esther had not yet made known her kindred or her people, even as Mordecai had commanded her . . .”

Strength and Dignity

Esther exhibited a grace-filled charm and elegance. In this verse, the literal translation of the original language says, “She lifted up grace before his face.” Isn’t that a beautiful expression?

Mundane and Miraculous

Woven through the tapestry of this wonderful story we find at least three timeless lessons thus far. The first has to do with God’s plan. The second has to do with God’s purposes. And the third has to do with God’s people.