Esther 2:7-11
And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it. And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.
One of the characteristics about the story of Esther that will always stand out to me, and that makes this one of my favorite stories, is the amount of detail used to relay the message. I love reading the words and seeing the story play out in my mind. Here is this young girl who was orphaned at a young age, adopted by a family member, taken from her home to possibly become the wife of the king, and through all of this she was strong, faithful, and obedient. I love reading and learning about the favor that was shown to her, and about how the hand of God was on her life.
Darlene talks about Esther being helped along the way, being taken care of. Mordecai, Hegai, and the seven maids that were given to assist her, were all placed in her life to help her along her journey. She was never alone. God was always there helping her—always sending someone into her life to offer her assistance.
That’s what the Holy Spirit does in our life; He is in place to remind us that we are never alone. He is our Comforter and He is our Guide. I’m sure we can all say that we’ve felt like Esther at some time in our lives. We have been faced with tasks and responsibilities that take us out of our element, out of our comfort zone; we may have felt alone, we may have not known what to do, what step to take next. We could only operate on our faith.
But like Esther, we were given people to help us along the way. People were strategically placed in our path to offer us aid. Our Comforter and Guide is always there, reminding us that we are never alone.
John 14:26
But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name,
he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance
whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You, Lord, for Your love. Thank You for the guidance and comfort that is shown to us each day. We go through our days facing various tasks and it is so easy to forget to realize that You are always there. You send people to help us along the way. Lord, I pray that we exhibit the strength, obedience, and faith that Esther had. I pray that we recognize those who You place in our path to assist us, and that we fully embrace Your hand on our life. Open our eyes and our hearts, Father, so that we can accomplish what You ask of us. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.
About Tonya Ellison
I like the fact that Mordecai symbolizes the Holy Spirit in that he is always nearby for Esther. When she moves into the palace he doesn’t assume that his responsibilities are over and there is nothing else he can do. Instead even in a most unlikely place, he’s in the wings giving her wise counsel, directing her, and protecting her. That’s our God. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. He’s always with us, even in the most unlikely situations of our lives.
Thank you, Tonya, for sharing this morning. I say “Amen” to your prayer!
I love that perspective. I’ve never thought of it that way about Mordecai. God is so faithful and loving, always with us. That is so comforting!
Deuteronomy 31:8
8 And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
There is some awesome symbolism in this story! And yes, I agree 100% tgat God will show up in the most unlikely places. There isn’t anything too big or too small.
oh, how Jesus’ apostles must have been so encouraged knowing that He was not going to leave them alone—but send the Holy Spirit as their Comforter! as we should be, too! thanks, tonya; i loved where you wrote, ” …we may have felt alone, we may have not known what to do, what step to take next. We could only operate on our faith.” thanking the Lord today for all that He is doing to encourage us to trust Him to show us ‘what to do, what step to take…’ <3
Amen to that! 🙂
I know that His guidance and comfort gives me peace.
Tonya, I love your statement: But like Esther, we were given people to help us along the way. People were strategically placed in our path to offer us aid. Our Comforter and Guide is always there, reminding us that we are never alone. It made me think that sometimes we don’t recognize these people that the Holy Spirit has sent; we are waiting for this great big BOOM to take place, but He is always right there with us.
Great point. We don’t always see the people placed in our lives, we look for big important people when in reality the person sent to us is the bagger at the grocery store. We also don’t always see opportunities where we are being called to be that person. I pray for a sensitive heart in that area for all of us. ♥
I have always loved the story of Esther. I think we all long for the Moses/Abraham/John the Baptist lives, but more often than not, we’ll lead the Esther/Ruth/Hannah lives instead, quietly walking in faith everyday, surrounded by the people He places in our lives.
I’m so thankful that we have the Holy Spirit, I can’t imagine not having His presence.
Very true, we all want to have the life that will leave a big impact for His kingdom, butI think that the life that mirrors the life of Ruth, Esther and Hannah makes a big impact as well. Whether we’re John or Esther, His presence is something we all need and something we can all be thankful for. 🙂 Like you I can not imagine my life without Him in it.
Whether we’re John or Esther, His presence is something we all need and something we can all be thankful for.
Exactly! 🙂 Amen and amen!
Gods’s hand is always at work, we may not see the direct impact in our lives but His hand is working through other people and through them we are helped and blessed. I have been struggling with my health issues since 2009 and I thank God for strategically placing people in my path to journey with. I also thank The Lord for leading me to this group, you are heaven sent to me. Your life experiences, testimonies, sharing your gifts through writing blog/devotionals. This week is a heavy weak for me but I am comforted that I am never alone. Praise The Lord!
*heavy week
And you are right, you are not alone. Not only is the Holy Spirit with you to comfort, Jesus is with you taking you by the hand and God the Father holds you in his arms.
Then to top it off, we your sisters in Christ are praying for you from all over the globe.
How awesome is that.
Awesome blog, Tonya! No matter how many times I hear it, the reminder that the Holy Spirit is always with me is a comfort and source of strength. I am equally grateful for the people he places in my path! Both play such an important role.
Great Blog Tonya! I needed to be reminded today that I am not alone. I already knew this, but today was one of those days, where I needed to be reminded. Thank you for obeying the Spirit when writing this blog. It was right on time <3
Such a beautiful blog, Tonya!! I am so very grateful for the Holy Spirit, and the people God has put in my life!! Thank You!!! Beautiful!!!
Great blog, much comfort rests in knowing God never leaves us
I’ve never looked at Mordecai that way. Thanks for the insight. Even though I know we are never alone, I have to admit this past year I have felt that way a lot. I think sometimes that feeling is made worse when those we EXPECT to be there in tough times aren’t. That disappointment clouds us from appreciating those who ARE there, albeit unexpectedly.