Day 1: On It, But Hidden
Focal Scripture: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV
I took Beth Moore's study of Esther: It's Tough Being A Woman almost 5 years ago. I still remember how God used that study to ignite a passion in me for His Word. My prayer is that God uses this study to do the same for you.
I know, I know, I know....you've read the book of Esther before and have heard countless messages on it. But sister, I believe God has a fresh, rhema word for you, in the current season of life that you are in.
Truth is, this study is for any young lady who is after God's own heart. This study is for you, sister, a queen with a purpose. Whether you're in a hidden season, where God is growing and preparing you or on display, single or married, rejected or celebrated...no matter where you are, this study is for you. Please stop here and pray with me that God would meet us here and pour HIs Spirit out, that we would grow spiritually, and be clothed with humility, love, peace, and joy in His presence.
Let's get started: Please read Esther 1:1-9
Don't have a Bible? Here goes one....
Maybe it's the "hopeful" (by faith lol!) romantic in me, but when I read these 9 verses I think about a wedding....my wedding. Of course for my wedding, there will be no wine drinking, but the royalty and just plain grand description of this party is captivating. In just 9 verses we meet King Ahasuerus, who is now in the 3rd year of his reign. He throws not just any kind of party, but one that lasted for 180 days. Whew! Now that's a lot of partying! And it doesn't end there, after the 180 days, he then decided to give another feast for 7 days. All were invited. Nobles. Governors. Officials. All people in Susa the citadel.....from the least to the greatest.
But even amidst all the celebrating and partying and royal décor described, we're introduced to a pretty key person.
"Queen Vashti also gave a feast for the women in the palace that belonged to King Ahasuerus." Esther 1:9 ESV
As you know, this is the book of Esther. As we continue to study this first chapter we'll see no mention of Esther. Many biblical scholars have pointed out that although God's name isn't in the book of Esther, it is on it.
I share this to say that as women after God's own heart, there are some chapters of our story where our "name," or our "accomplishments," or whatever else is not mentioned. There are times when it seems as though, although the book has our name on it, our name is indeed hidden from certain pages within the story.
Hidden.
Our name. Our identity. Our callings.
Sometimes hidden from us.
Most of the time hidden from people.
But NEVER hidden from God.
Please read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 11a
Sister again, I'm not sure what season of life this study finds you in, but you can rest assure that your times are in God's hands. You can rest assure that His timing is perfect. Yes, your name may be hidden, and yes, you may be "unknown" or ignored by this world, but you must rest in the truth that you are well known and recognized by GOD. He is indeed orchestrating something on your behalf that will blow your mind. We will see and learn through this study, that the best thing a woman after God's own heart, a queen with a purpose can do is stay.
When things are going well, stay with God.
When you're troubled on every side, stay with God.
When it's easy, stay with God.
When it's hard, stay with God.
When you're being persecuted, stay with God.
When you're being celebrated, stay with God.
When you're lonely, stay with God.
When your "circle" is thriving, stay with God.
When you want to quit, stay with God.
When you're driven to succeed, stay with God.
Because sis., your destiny is so much greater than you think.
As we conclude today, take time to pray.
Scriptures to meditate on this week:
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11a
Psalms 31:15a (NIV)
2 Corinthians 6:9a (AMP)
Isaiah 43:1-2
Have a blessed day!:)