Christ Church Daily Devotion Dec 8 2023

Esther's story shows us the importance of courage and faith in difficult times. When Esther learns of a plan to harm the Jews, she risks her own life by approaching the king for help. She asks her people to fast and pray for her, and she prepares herself for the dangerous task ahead. Despite the risks, Esther remains determined and follows through with her plan. Her story teaches us to calculate the cost, set priorities, prepare ourselves, and take bold action. We can find inspiration in Esther's example and trust that God will guide us through challenging situations. Welcome to Christchurch's Daily Devotion for December 8, 2023. Today we will be reading from Esther, chapter 4, verses 12 through chapter 5, verse 2. When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer, Do not think that because you are in the king's house, you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position such a time as this. Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai, Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, nights, or day, and I, my attendants, will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish. So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther's instructions. On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king's hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Physically, it was a short journey for Esther to go to the king, but because of what could have happened to her, it had to be a most difficult walk. She asked that others fast on her behalf because she knew she would need God to be with her. Esther gives us a model to follow when dealing with difficult tasks. Calculate the cost. Esther realized her life was at stake. Set priorities. She believed the safety of the Jewish race was more important than her life. Prepare. She fasted and prayed and had others join her. Determine a course of action and move ahead boldly. She didn't think too long about it and followed through on her commitment. Let Esther be an example to you that when you have God and courage, you need nothing more. Today's personal worship option. Are you facing the difficult? Know that God is holding your hand in preparing the way. Express your gratitude to him and listen for his direction.