Paving The Way // Heather Dillingham

It’s Valentine’s Day, and in honor of today I wanted to write about love. I was prepared to weave a beautiful story about how Esther loved her people so much that it gave her strength, bravery, and boldness to step out and talk to the king. All of that is true, but that isn’t our part of the story today.

Our part of the story is about how Esther’s daring and bravery, and yes love, paved the way for more. 

On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded
by the king was to be carried out. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to
overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over
those who hated them.
(Esther 9:1)

The king said to Queen Esther, “The Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men
and the ten sons of Haman in the citadel of Susa. What have they done in the rest of
the king’s provinces? Now what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request?
It will also be granted.”
(Esther 9:12)

You see, not only did Esther create a world where the Jews didn’t have to fear those who wanted their things, land, and lives, they were given the tools and permission to fight against their enemies. 

Now I could be wrong but I think the King got a little sassy when saying, ‘what happened in the rest of the king's provinces?’, but whether that was actual concern or sass, he followed it up with the same. Granting her more power and allowing her to do more for her people.

This ‘more,’  leads to another night of going against their enemies and eventually a two day celebration named Purim to be celebrated for generations. The ‘more’ also meant cementing leadership through Mordecai who proved that he had the best interest of his (and Esther’s) people. 

Through all this we get a glimpse of what Esther did, but what’s funny is in Esther Chapter 10, her closing saga, she doesn’t even get a word. It says the king and Mordecai’s actions were recorded in the book of the annals. Obviously we know Esther lives here, in God’s word, but elsewhere she was forgotten. 

But, man how true is that! Our good acts, our strength, boldness, bravery, sometimes doesn’t get recognized by anyone but God. Despite knowing that she probably was a backup character to her own story for those in the day, look at her and ask for more! Her bravery, daring and love meant that she carved the path that allowed others to walk the walk God set before them. 

Just like Esther, your name might not be what they write about in the annals, but it is ALWAYS written on God’s heart and his plan for the world. He created you to pave the way.

Heather is a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a believer, a wife, and a mother to a wonderful (and sometimes crazy) one-year-old. She enjoys reading, playing video games, and listening to podcasts. She can usually be taking care of the home and playing on the floor with her daughter.

Photo by Max Nguyen on Unsplash

The Big Ask

Esther’s trip to see the King was just the first step she needed to take in search of favor. When her life was spared and the King asked what she wished for, Esther said that she just wanted to have the King and Haman the over for dinner.  

Sometimes that’s what our walk with God can look like. We can be brave enough to go before our Lord. But too scared to make our requests known to him right away. There’s a fear that if we ask the question, we will get the answer we don’t want. Esther probably wanted a little more time to come up with the right words and seeing her husband on his throne, surrounded by his advisors, was probably nerve wracking.  

It wasn’t until the dinner was underway that she made her request:  

“…and as they were drinking wine on the second day, the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.” 

 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request.  For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.[a]” 
(Esther 7:2-4) 

Esther, humbly, breaks down what has happened and asks only that her people are spared death. Like any good husband the King is furious that anyone would dare do such a thing to his wife and when he learns of Haman’s involvement the King has him killed.  

Of course, there is more to this story because Haman’s decree had already been announced to all the provinces of the land. There was literally a law in place that said anyone could: kill, enslave, and steal from them. So, Esther again went to the King and asked him to spare her people and the King literally gives her his signet ring and says to write a new edict in the kings name:  

“The king’s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attack them and their women and children, and to plunder the property of their enemies.” 
(Esther 8:11) 

Esther was given so much favor in that moment and did she have to do? Pray and ask.  

Ladies, how often are we told to just ask? In church, there will be alter calls that ask us to come to the front if we are need. The last couple of times that opportunity has been offered I stayed in place. Stuck. Because I was afraid of the answer. I was afraid to be told “no” by God.  

Is there something you are afraid to ask God today? I encourage you, to be like Esther and make your big ask.      

Bethany Thomas is the Publicity Coordinator and a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a daughter of God, a wife, and a dog mom. When not writing for the blog, you are most likely to find her reading a fantasy novel or crafting at her home in Sapulpa, OK.

Photo by Velizar Ivanov on Unsplash

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

Hadassah

“This is what happened during the time of Xerxes[…]”
Esther 1:1

Hadassah, that’s my name. It means “myrtle tree” and represents love and a promise. My name was given to me by my mother and father. They wanted to remind me of where I came from and the promise that God gave us that we would return, one day, to our homeland. But for now, call me Esther, because I was born in the land of Persia and through God’s favor, I was made Queen of this land.

Esther never asked to be Queen. She was a girl whose circumstances were completely out of her control. As a Jewish orphan being raised by her Uncle Mordecai, her life was probably simple. Most likely she was learning about caring for a house and preparing for her life once she was engaged and married. Along with everyone else in the kingdom she probably talked about what happened to Queen Vashti and wondered who the new Queen would be. But then there was a decree:

“But after Xerxes’ anger had subsided, he began thinking about Vashti and what she had done and the decree he had made. So his personal attendants suggested, “Let us search the empire to find beautiful young virgins for the king. Let the king appoint agents in each province to bring these beautiful young women into the royal harem at the fortress of Susa. Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the harem, will see that they are all given beauty treatments. After that, the young woman who most pleases the king will be made queen instead of Vashti.” This advice was very appealing to the king, so he put the plan into effect.”
Esther 2:1-4

Esther, along with other beautiful girls, was kidnapped and forced into the king’s Harem. She should have disappeared into that Harem but through God’s favor and her Uncle’s warnings to keep her nationality a secret, she instead was CHOSEN by the king,

“Esther was taken to King Xerxes at the royal palace in early winter of the seventh year of his reign. And the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti.”
Esther 2:16-17

Now if this was a movie, that’s where this story would end. A beautiful, exiled, orphan becomes a queen and gains the love of a King. This is what dreams are made of right? But that’s not the end of the story.

Today I want you to think about the kind of bravery and faith that Esther had to practice every day while living in the palace. The fear of discovery must have been a constant thought in her mind. I bet you, her constant comfort was probably her prayer life. Have faith in the direction you feel God pulling you. It might feel terrifying, but God is walking in step with you the whole way. He only asks that you have faith in him.  

Bethany Thomas is the Publicity Coordinator and a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a daughter of God, a wife, and a dog mom. When not writing for the blog, you are most likely to find her reading a fantasy novel or crafting at her home in Sapulpa, OK.

Photo by Valerie Elash on Unsplash