We have made it through what many believe to be one of the longest and toughest years to date. But, guess what, lady? You did make it. On my last blog, we talked about the three things you should stop doing as we approach 2021. In this blog, we’re going to talk about the three things you need to do entering what could be the beginning of one of the best seasons of your life.
Let’s look at Esther. The book of Esther tells the story of an orphan Jewish girl that is chosen, by God’s providence, to become the queen of Persia in the Bible. Although God isn’t mentioned in this book at all, His providence can be seen in Esther’s life. That means where she was born, when she was born, and to whom she was born is of no coincidence. God knew she was needed for such a time as this, and so are you.
As queen, Esther was placed in a difficult situation where she had to choose her comfort zone and even her life, or the life of all the Jewish people she was assigned to. There may be something in your life that you feel called to, but fear holds you back. You may feel passionate about the goals and dreams you have, but insecurities about your talent pop up. You may even be going in the right direction, but lack of follow-through hasn’t gotten you the results you want. I’d like to pull three principles from the book of Esther to help you start your 2021 in the right direction.
1. Live Beyond Your Fear
When Esther’s uncle, Mordecai, informs Esther of the wicked plan that was created to annihilate the Jewish people, her initial response was one of fear.
“All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.” - Esther 4:11
There are two kinds of fear: one that paralyzes you and one that moves you. Healthy fear can keep us from harm. But too often fear keeps us from doing what we want or need to do. That is - until 2021. It’s time to live beyond your fear and move towards the purposes that God has for you.
Mordecai answered (Esther 4: 13-14), “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
You have the power to manifest your end result. The fear will always be there, but it’s up to you to determine if you will let it paralyze you and cause you to reside in a place of silence, complacency, and stagnation or let it motivate you to move towards your purpose. Esther recognized this, felt the fear, but let it move her forward.
2. Stay Consistent and Committed
Esther knew her actions could lead her to death, but when you are called to something bigger, something that will affect others, something that God has created you for; you need to take action and run the course.
“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
Esther had a plan, and she was so committed to this plan that she felt led to participate in this fast. She knew there are some things that only they can do, the rest is up to God.
“On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.” - Esther 5:1-2
There can be times that our intentions are good and pure, but you’ll never reach the best season of your life without taking action, staying consistent with your goal, and staying committed to your calling. Esther stayed committed to her goal and consistent with her words as she approached the king.
The same applies to you! By not neglecting your fear, but letting it move you towards purpose and then creating a plan you stick to, an amazing outcome will manifest for you and those who are assigned to you. There will be days where you’ll feel challenged and days where your motivation will waver; these are the times when centering yourself and revisiting the core of your purpose are extremely important and integral to your continued progress.
3. Trust Your Gift and Yourself
“Then the king asked, ‘What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.’ ‘If it pleases the king,’ replied Esther, ‘let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.’ ‘Bring Haman at once,” the king said, ‘so that we may do what Esther asks.’” - Esther 5: 3-5
Esther could’ve doubted herself in creating a banquet that would please the king. She could have believed the lies of the enemy that God chose wrong and He should've chosen someone else. She chose to believe in the gifts she was given, when she was given, for the time they were given to her, and for who she was meant to save through them. Whose life could be at risk because you don’t believe in the gifts placed within you?
“...on the second day, the king again asked, ‘Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to 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…’ King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, ‘Who is he? Where is he—the man who has dared to do such a thing?’ Esther said, ‘An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!’” - Esther 7:2-6
Your voice and talents are needed. Those things you are passionate about, those things you have to speak up for, those gifts and talents that were placed in you to help others; all of that was placed in you for such a time as this. You, lady, aren’t a cosmic consequence. On the contrary, you were divinely designed and equipped with purpose-filling essentials. As you enter into 2021, be encouraged by the story of Esther. By her time and society standards, she should not have been queen, but God placed her there because He had a calling and purpose assigned to her, and so do you. Just as Esther achieved her goal, by trusting your gift, so will you. God has given us free will. So it’s ultimately your choice to either walk in your purpose or crawl in your own desires. Be reminded that your life is so much more than living to go to work, pay bills, and live for the weekend. No, your life is to be blessed so that you may be a blessing to others.