June 12, 2023

Esther 9: 5 The Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and they did what they pleased to those who hated them. (NIV)

God does not need me to do . . . things – he can use anybody.*

Some scholars question why the book of Esther is included in the Bible. God is not ever mentioned, and its main characters, Esther and Mordecai, were not outstanding examples of faith. For instance: they were comfortable with hiding the fact that Esther was Jewish; Esther gives no indication that she might be reluctant to marry a pagan king and join his harem; and here they were, living large in Persia instead of returning to Jerusalem from exile.*

Whether God is mentioned or not, we can still see his hand in arranging the affairs of his people. As this verse reveals, the Jews were victorious over their enemies - due to the efforts of Esther and Mordecai. If God can use people who are not his people to aid his people (it happened a lot in the Old Testament), then surely he can use those who are marginally his people in the same capacity. How much more useful, then, are you and I with willing hearts, submissive spirits, and . . . not so much else?

Don’t let fear of failure or lack of confidence in your abilities prevent you from saying “yes” when God calls you. As Mordecai said to Esther, (paraphrased!) “If you don’t do it, God will find another way. But what if this is exactly the purpose for which God has brought you to this place?” And what if you said, "No," to the call?

He is more interested in your availability than in your ability.*