There are many amazing, strong, courageous women in Scripture. I am always drawn to their stories. I want to know more about what made them who they were. To use the common phrase my oldest son taught me years ago when he began being fascinated with all things superhero, “What’s their backstory?”
Today, as I read the passage from Esther where she is coming before the Lord in humble submission begging for His help to save her people, I was again struck with her bravery.
Do you know this story? (short version) A beautiful young woman becomes queen of the land, married to a king with incredible power. Her uncle, who has raised her, stays near the palace and learns that there is a plot to kill all of the Jewish people. He begs Esther to speak to the king and ask him to save them. But, that’s not so easy. To go before the king without being invited could be the death of Esther. She has a big decision to make and not a lot of time to do it.
Which leads to one of my favorite verses in Scripture:
As I put myself in this story, I imagine what I would do in her place. Would I be brave enough? Would I be so bold as to go before the king, who by the way, just got rid of his first wife for not showing up at a meal? Hmmm… not so sure.
But don’t you love that before she makes any decision, she goes before the Lord? And we aren’t talking, she goes into a quiet room and says a few prayers. She is down right surrendering it all! Rich clothes, jewelry, food, drink. She’s laying prostrate day and night for three days in sack cloth, ashes, and dung on her head! This is serious supplication before the Almighty. She means business and she’s unafraid to ask for what is needed.
Oh, that I would take my prayer that seriously. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I will pray. I may even get to Mass or go to Adoration for an hour. I’ll ask the Lord for help. But, do I surrender it all? Do I truly trust Him to answer? Or do I try to say the words, hope He comes through, but in the meantime, hold on and grasp for answers myself. Am I patient enough to wait with Him and see what He has to say?
Maybe I need to ponder this today and work on it. He does promise us in Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you…”
Time to start really claiming that promise instead of rattling off that common passage without really thinking about what it means. He is a good, good Father.
What do you think? What is Esther teaching you?
XOXO,
Barb
Today’s Readings (Esther 14: 12, 14-16, 23-25, Psalm 138, Matthew 7:7-12)
Reflections of a Cute Lil Mom 