Esther ChallengeSample

PREPARATION IS KEY The women presented to the King had to undergo a 12 month beauty treatment…yet we complain about spending 30 minutes and some more dolling ourselves up. Similar to Ruth (3:3), preparation was paramount. Good things require intense preparation, for it is during the preparation period that you will know if what you’re preparing for is truly worth it. PURITY The King desired for his ‘new’ queen to be a virgin. This highlights ‘purity’ as a trait that is strongly associated with being a virgin. Although today and undoubtedly back then, being a virgin does not automatically mean that you are pure in heart. Purity is necessary, not just for us, but also for others. If Esther wasn’t ‘pure’, she would not have been chosen and consequently go on to do the great exploits that saved lives as we will see later in the challenge. ‘My purity isn't simply a declaration or meeting a goal but it is my passport to carry out my purpose here on earth’ – Micah Robinson Esther’s purity was the precursor to her fulfilling her purpose. We must strive to be pure in heart and live a life of purity, with the grace to fulfil our God-given purpose. FAVOUR Esther was an orphan and a Jew, but her background did not stop God from favouring her. Why? Because she was obedient. Your past or background will not stop God from favouring you; the only thing that is a hindrance is disobedience. Esther was constantly obedient to Mordecai even when they weren’t together (verse 20). How many of us still obey our parents or any legitimate authority outside of their presence? Remember, partial or delayed obedience is still disobedience. Esther was FAVOURED. She didn’t have to carry anything extra to the King like the other women. She was good just the way she was. The king was attracted to Esther above all and she won his favour. When you honour God through your obedience, He will make the things that people toil for so easy for you! Esther was LOYAL. Some gold-diggers and ‘side chicks’ who hear that someone wants to kill their husband would encourage the perpetrators, in order to claim his wealth or out of spite. Esther could have easily done this, but she was loyal and so was Mordecai! What are your thoughts? Share them using #EstherChallenge