Vashti had to go. I did two bible studies and did a bit of research for this book because I was noticing different perspectives on Vashit’s role in this story. Some mentioned how Vashti disobeyed the King, how she did not submit. The emphasis was on her not honoring the authority that was over her life and how her story would have played out differently had she listened to the king. Another mentioned how brave she is for standing up for herself. It mentioned that she had just given birth and had her reasons for not obeying (a good mom for sure!). It also mentioned that what the king wanted Vashti to do for his friends was degrading and she was being a strong woman defending her dignity. My take…she had to go so that Esther could come in. Simple as that. I’m glad Vashti made the choice she made, regardless of the reason. Vashti should be known as the woman who was also brave and did what she felt she needed to do in the moment to protect herself and possibly her baby. She’s not much different from Esther in that way…shout out to both of these brave ladies. They both put their lives on the line for what they believed in. Vashti lost her position as queen because of her decision, she may or may not have been killed for it…but her dignity and self respect was still in tact. Esther 1.

Esther makes a hard decision. The plot thickens as Esther’s cousin persuades her to enter into the running to become the next queen. Esther began the process of being prepped to be in the king’s presence and she had favor with everyone. Esther was blessed from the very beginning. You might say she was called, she was chosen based on how smoothly her process to become queen played out. She is of course made queen and is informed that the Jewish people are in danger. Again, cousin Mordecai shows up pleading with Esther to save the day; to do the unthinkable. But one thing that Mordecai said to Esther stands out to me: “If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s family will be destroyed…”. I love that because he way saying, God will save us no matter what. Maybe not now, but He will. God will still be God. He left the choice up to Esther, he sort of hit her with some reverse psychology as well! Like, this is going to happen whether you take part in something great or not. One monkey don’t stop no show! He went on to say “Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.” The weight of the world on her shoulders and she made the bold move to risk it all. Esther had courage, she was brave, and I’m sure she was scared. She went to the King when he did not call for her to come, which was against the rules. But she was doing what God called her to do and what she had to do for her people; and if it meant she was to die, then so be it. God called her to change the course of history for the Jewish people. Not for her own gain, but for the benefit of others. Our time here on earth is not a mistake. The plans God has for us are valid for right now. We can choose to be a part of the greatness God has for us, or we can let life pass us by. He gives us the choice, he invites us into His plan. It’s up to us to accept it. Esther 4:13-16.

King Ahasuerus made use of his restlessness. He couldn’t sleep, so he picked up the books from the daily logs and reviewed what was happening in his kingdom lately. That caused him to discover how cousin Mordecai saved his life. And of course, cousin Mordecai needed to be rewarded for his bravery. Which led to Haman being put to death. The ultimate example of God using what was meant for bad and turning it around for good. Poor Haman. That’s what he gets for being greedy and wanting all the King’s attention. That’s what he gets for ordering a man’s death despite the good that Mordecai had done. God turned this entire situation around. When we seek out wisdom, God shows up. When we take action to do good, God is there, making a way for us when the impossible lies ahead. The next time you’re up late, full or worry; think back to what God has already done in your life. Pull out your bible and seek wisdom about your situation. Talk to God until you fall back to sleep. Let Him in and watch how He will turn things around for you. Esther 6-7.

The Jews are saved. All is well. Esther’s bravery paid off. The king heard her requests and saved her people. Esther’s favor remained and I think the king may have grown to love her. What a relief it must’ve been, in the moment of your request being answered. To feel loved and heard and respected when you probably was expecting the worst. Every request Esther had for the king, he honored and agreed to. Mordecai was promoted in the kingdom as well. This story is the epitome of “and what if it all works out!”. We often hold back on our goals and our calling because we are scared of failure. But what if it works out. What if it ends up being better than you expected? I think following Gods lead is always worth the risk. Esther 9-10.