Do It Afraid //Mary Swafford

At the close of Esther 4, Esther calls the Jews to a three day fast.  No eating or drinking.  When this is done, she will go to the king, even if it means her death.

Fasting is a means of entrusting ourselves to the Lord.  When we fast, our mind, soul and spirit become more receptive to the Holy Spirit.  God says he will give wisdom to those who seek it.   Even though the book of Esther never once mentions God, he is all over these passages.  We can only imagine the significance of intimacy not only Esther experienced during those 3 days, but also the entire Jewish community.  

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20

Not only was Esther “gathered together” with her maids in the king’s palace, but the Jewish nation was fasting and praying together for the same cause!

On the third day of the fast, Esther put on her royal robes and entered the inner court of the palace.  She got dressed for the occasion.  I imagine that she came out in front of the king much like Cinderella showed up at the Ball.  In her best royal dress, hair tied up perfectly and the sweet smell of perfume lingering about her.

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others.  Truly I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.  And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”  Matthew 6:16-18

Esther, clothed herself in more than just royal clothes.  She also had on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness (Ephesians 6:14).

The King sees Esther and extends the scepter – she steps forward and touches the tip, releasing her breath and lifting the curtain of tension that has hovered over the last three days.  Here we see a glimpse of God’s grace to us. 

The King encouraged Esther.

Let us be encouraged to pray always and to not faint.

Esther came to a proud and powerful man.

We come to the God of love and grace.

Esther was not called.

We are called.

Esther had a law against her.

We have a promise; Ask and it shall be given to you.

She had no one to go with her.

We have an Advocate with the Father, in whom he is well pleased.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace.

“Esther replied, This is my request and deepest wish. . .” Esther 5:7

God give me a faith that dares to share with you my requests and deepest wishes.  Give me the courage to step out in your presence and the presence of my enemies and declare you Lord of my life even when I am afraid.

Mary Swafford is the founder of Shaken & Stirred, Meals that Matter, Coffee Talk, and a Co-Owner of Boulder Coffee in downtown Sand Springs. She is a wife, a mother of 3 beautiful children, but most importantly a daughter of the most high God. You are likely to find her chugging or serving coffee, sitting in a tattooist’s chair, or making friends out of strangers.

Photo by Alexandru Zdrobău on Unsplash

If I Perish // Sheila Dorris

“It all started when the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor.”
Esther 3:2

Esther’s Uncle Mordecai would not bow to Haman (a King’s official) and this infuriated the man. How dare anyone, let alone a Jew, snub him in such a way. Haman devised a plan to have all of the Jews be killed because of Mordecai’s slight.   

When Mordecai learned of this he reached out to Esther urging her to talk to the King to save the Jews.  Esther reminded Mordecai, the only way to speak to the King was to be called upon. If you were to even approach the King without being called upon it was certain death.   

Mordecai reminded Esther this position may be exactly why she was made to be Queen. Not to turn her back on her family, her people.

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 

“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. I and my attendants 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.”
Esther 4:15-‬16 NIV

Esther was DARING in this action. For she had not been called on by the King in 30 days. Even if the King had seen her, he had to point his golden scepter toward her in order to speak. The odds were against her. But if she did not try her people would be slaughtered. Through her uncle Mordecai she called her people to FAST. To get right with God, to be granted favor, to pray that the King would be receptive since she, Esther, was obedient.

She was willing to risk her life for her people, and the only preparation she had was not eating or drinking for 3 days and praying. And yet nowhere do we see God replying to Esther’s prayer. The FAITH that it took to be able to risk everything, relying only on the promises of God passed down through the generations. That is truly amazing. 

Do you feel like Esther at times? Like your prayers have gone out into a void but you don’t know if they have been heard or will be answered? I bet you can think of many examples, but I bet if you look back on your prayers you will see where God was guiding you. Like Esther, we have to have a faith that we are willing to die for. 

As Christians we have one advantage that Esther did not. We have the honor of having the Holy Spirit live within us and helping to guide us in the direction that God wants us to go. I encourage you all, to start pursuing what has been put on your heart, start pursuing what you have fasted and prayed over and listen to the Holy Spirit’s nudges. Have a DARING faith like Esther. 

Sheila Dorris is the adoptive mother of three (now) adult children and is now enjoying being an empty nester. Sheila shares co-ownership of Mojo Merchandise, in downtown Sand Springs, with her best friend. Sheila has served and continues to serve in many areas at Church that Matters. Including: House Church, KTM, Access, Guest Services, and on the production team as a Live Stream Host. Sheila is famous for her sermon notes, taken each week as a guide for others on Facebook. This often starts conversations between those who may have questions about church or may just need to hear the sermon. She loves being silly and making people smile. If you see her, stop her and say "Hello".

Photo by Fa Barboza on Unsplash