Esther stayed in the palace while waiting for the king to choose who he wanted to choose to be his next queen. No one knew Esther was a Jew because Mordecai told her not to reveal that to anybody. Mordecai walked back and forth every day near the courtyard where Esther was staying to see how she was doing. Before King Xerxes could see any young women, they must undergo twelve months of beautification. After the twelve months of beautification, each young woman would see the king once, and if the king chose any of them, the king would summon that person back and become his queen. When it was Esther's turn to see the king, she won the favor of everyone who saw her in the king's presence. King Xerxes was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, so he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen. The king gave a great banquet for all His nobles and officials, made a holiday throughout the provinces, and distributed gifts with royal liberality (Esther 2:10-18).
It was not an accident for Esther to become the queen of the Medo-Persian Empire. During this time, there were already Jews that returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. God was going to preserve the nation of Israel through Esther. Seeing how God brought an orphaned girl, adopted by his uncle during the captivity, to become the queen of the most powerful kingdom was incredible to witness. Only God can make all these things happen. Our God's purpose and plan in our lives are so great and marvelous if we are only willing to trust and walk in His ways. The things that this world can offer us cannot be compared to God's great things for us.
God can turn our desperate situation into a fulfilling life. God's purpose and plan are better than we can imagine. Proverbs 19:21 says, "You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail." Esther did not even imagine growing up that she would be the queen someday, but God knew it all along. God brought her to a place where she would have the opportunity to be selected as the next queen of the Medo-Persian Empire.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you) What lesson can I learn from Esther becoming queen of the Medo-Persian Empire? What must I do for God's plan to become real in my life? Do I trust God and walk in His ways?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, Your plan will always prevail because You are an all-powerful God. There is nothing impossible in you. And You have a wonderful plan in my life. Would you please help me pursue you by going to Bible study and church so I can know you more? And the more I know you, the more I will know your wonderful plan in my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.