Many people desire to be used by God. But only a few understand that you must be where God can use you. Esther had agreed to try to plead for mercy with the king so that the Jews would not be killed. She had spiritually prepared herself by joining the other Jews in three days of fasting. Even though Scripture doesn’t say, most likely, this also included prayer.
Then Esther prepared herself physically. Esther 5:1 On the third day of the fast, Esther put on her royal robes and entered the inner court of the palace, just across from the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne, facing the entrance. [1] She had dressed appropriately and positioned herself at the throne room entrance. She had no way to know how busy the king was or what type of mood he was in.
When the king extended the scepter, she humbly presented herself as a servant. She was not an emotional basket case nor an angry spouse. Since she wanted favor with the king, she acted in a culturally suitable manner. She was in a place where God could use her.
People God Used
Often, people are reluctant to act. It is easier to sit back, do nothing, and just hope that God will do something. But God desires us to be bold for Him. Scripture gives us examples of people who did just that.
Daniel was serving the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar when the king had a dream. Because of his position, he was in a place to interpret the dream when others couldn’t. (Daniel 4).
Nehemiah had heard of the grievous conditions in Jerusalem and was serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. He was never to be sad in the king’s presence, but when he was, the king allowed him to explain. Nehemiah offered his services to the king to correct the situation if the king would send him. The king did, and Nehemiah rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 1 & 2).
Let God Use You
Esther is a model for us. We must prepare ourselves spiritually and in the natural. We can intercede for a situation individually and ask others to join us. I believe God has designed us to be better together. As we proceed, we must, like Esther, continue to listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
We also need to have appropriate appearance and action in the natural. Esther knew the cultural expectations in the throne room and followed them. “She knew that people first have to present themselves in such a way that they can get a hearing with the person they hope to influence.”[2] It is the same for us today. If you want God to use you, be where God can use you. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/esthers-request
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Es 5:1). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Smith, G. V. (2010). Ezra-Nehemiah & Esther (Vol. 5b, p. 260). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.