Ester 5 is the turning point in the book Esther where things change.
As an Esther through your preparation, you have gained an “if I perish, I perish” attitude and you are in the “test of faith” I have been in this situation several times in my life. If something doesn’t happen within an hour, that night, in minutes, or that week, I am done either spiritually or physically. In those moments, right before the breakthrough, I said: “God if this means death are you ready to take me now?”
Paul says to us 2. Cor 1:9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.
Ester showed bravery because she regarded it as her only choice. She had considered and ruled out alternatives such as hiding in the palace, fleeing, and denying her Jewish identity. Additionally, she was part of a Jewish community, so it wasn’t just her life that was important to her. Her courage would bring honor to the Jewish people, while her fear would bring shame to them for generations.
So, when she walked before the king, she was walking there representing every Jew in Susa, with their prayers and their fight. It’s interesting that in the end, the Jews in Susa got to fight for two days against their enemies, while those in the other provinces only fought for one day. This is because they took part in the prayer.
Esther was afraid that her 30-day separation from the king might put her at a disadvantage, but things turned around for her. The beginning of Chapter 5 reveals that the king was pleased with her. Perhaps he missed her, or she brought a refreshing presence to his busy life with all the plotting and scheming around him. This situation is like our experience with approaching God. We may have thought that our lack of action for God was working against us, but when we approach God, we find a welcoming King who says, “I was waiting for you!”
If you haven’t prayed for 30 days go before the King now
If you haven’t prayed in 30 days, that is no reason not to go before the King now. He is for you and wants to grant your request. So personal breakthrough starts when you reestablish your communication relationship with God. Why hadn’t Esther seen the king? It doesn’t matter in the end just like it doesn’t matter in our lives why we have been far away from God.
Ester 5:3 says “Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.” He was so delighted seeing her that he promised her whatever she wanted. Do you know God as a King like this?
Ester demonstrated great wisdom by strategically approaching the king to prevent the mass killing of the Jews. She didn’t immediately reveal her request, but instead first showed her respect for the king and his company. Additionally, she considered the potential shame her own death would bring to the king. This approach can serve as a valuable example for us to consider in our own faith.
What should you do when you go before the King, perhaps for the first time in 30 days? Weep and wail? No! You are supposed to welcome him to a banquet. How do you prepare a banquet for God? Like Esther did, through your worship and giving.
Prepare a banquet for God by worship and giving
These two powerful things are not limited to just songs or money – they can take over your whole life. Make your life a banquet, a relaxing resting place for the God who is so accustomed to listening to people’s needs and demands. This is what Esther did while waiting for her breakthrough.
You can set this as your goal: “My life is a banquet for God! I will forget I ever had a need. I will worship God and prepare a party for him.” And you watch what God does!
