On the third day, Queen Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace in front of the king’s hallway. The king was sitting in the hall facing the entrance. Although the king appeared pleased to see her, Esther waited for the invitation to approach him.
Once Esther was in front of the king, he asked her what it is that she wants, offering her half the kingdom. Esther responds very respectfully, “if it pleases the king, let the king together with Haman come today to a banquet I have prepared.” The king sent for Haman and together they went to the banquet. The king then asked again what Esther wanted. Instead of making a request, Esther offers to prepare another banquet tomorrow. She informs the king she will make her request at the banquet tomorrow.
I am in awe of Esther’s self control! The king is pretty much offering her whatever she wants and she chooses to wait another day to make her request. Perhaps she is nervous; maybe she still has to gather her thoughts, devise a plan…how will she disclose her true identity? How will she justify her request? What will she say…?
Have you ever been nervous to share information or make a request to someone?
Perhaps you have heard the old adage “if you don’t ask, you don’t know.”
Or how about this one:
“You have not because you ask not.” (James 4:2)
WHAT is Esther waiting for?!?!?!
She’s waiting for the perfect time. She’s displaying self-control. She’s taking time to organize her thoughts, to carefully select her words. Esther has already taken a risk by approaching the king. We continue to see her proceed with caution, trusting and obeying what she knows is right.
Dear Lord,
Self-control is one area of my life in which I struggle. I am often eager to go before You, to act on my thoughts and ideas instead of taking the time to wait on discernment from You. Please forgive me for the times I have been impulsive and for the rash decisions I have made. For I know Your plans are far greater than mine. I want to partner with You by being patient and exercising more self-control by being a better listener and obeying Your commands. I trust in You to slow me down so that I can focus on You and Your plans. Thank you, In Jesus Name, Amen
