In these times, I am always challenged to find a role model. When asked, who is your hero I always struggle. I was asked to write a lesson on Esther in the Bible and I think I might have found a hero. For those of you who haven't been introduced to Esther, she is an orphan, Jewish girl who ends up being a queen. She isn't my hero because she became a queen - she became my hero because of her faithfulness/obedience, patience, courage, and her graceful strength.
Esther was a Jewish virgin brought to the king’s palace to become part of his harem. After twelve months in the “women’s house,” Esther “obtained grace and favour” in the king’s sight and became queen. During this period, Mordecai ( her cousin who raised her) advised Esther to be discreet about the fact that she was Jewish. (Esther 2:10) Esther was obedient. The story builds as Haman, one of the king's men secretly plots “to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom.” (Esther 3:6)
Esther's faithfulness and obedience is seen to her people. It is often difficult to take a stand for who you really are and what you believe in. She is a Jew and for her to reveal this, it could mean death to her. For me personally, sometimes who I am goes against the crowd. I might compromise my beliefs or even pull back the "true me" in order to fit in. I desire to be faithful to my beliefs and obedient to what God would have me do and be in order to represent Him and His glory.
Esther also shows great patience. When she determines what she needs to do she has the wisdom to wait. So many times we all want to jump in before giving ourselves the chance to step away from the situation. I like to practice a rule (which I have shared with many of my pals), if you feel frustrated or upset about a particular situation, give it three days before reacting. So many times on that third day you will have a completely different feeling toward the situation. This act of patience can save you a world of grief. Patience is a difficult trait to implement. We live in a world where we want answers and results immediately.
After she exemplifies great patience before going before the king to share her heritage, she shows us incredible courage. The word courage means the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc. without fear; bravery. Another definition for courage: having the courage of one's convictions to act in accordance with ones beliefs, especially in spite of criticism. For her to approach the king without an invitation, she could face death. "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16 This is a remarkable example of personal sacrifice. Although understandably at first hesitant, she willingly risked her life so others could be saved. How many times will we chose to not be bold about salvation for others? Are we uncomfortable to be faithful to share what it takes to have eternity with Christ? If so, as a result others will perish and not be saved.
Lastly, I love Esther's beautiful and graceful strength. She doesn't show strength through overpowering others. However, she wins. In the beginning, she is chosen queen because she submits to the direction of the king's eunuch. "She requested nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her." Sometimes to win doesn't mean you get your way. So many times I have chosen to deny myself and submit and serve - guess what in the end, I won. This world teaches us a different victory - to have thine own way. We also see such a graceful strength in how she approaches the king. She does it with respect, love and a quiet spirit. As a result, the king grants her whatever she desires. Esther was a woman of wisdom and courage. She faced adversity and wickedness with a quiet confidence and grace. She portrays such a wonderful model for us to follow. What a hero!
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