On this good Friday, God wanted me to let you know that YOU HAVE A VOICE.
This morning, on my way to work, I was listening to the Bible audio in my car using the YouVersion Bible app. Out of nowhere it dawned on me, like an epiphany, that God has given me a voice. He has given a fearful, naturally timid girl words to share with others what He places on my heart. I began to thank God right then and there.
God sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to die in our place so that we can have a voice and place in the kingdom of heaven. Esther was a young woman back in Old Testament times who did not have a voice. First off, she was a woman. Secondly, she lost both her mother and father but her cousin Mordecai took care of her. All of these odds against her but she had a calling on her life. God put her in the right place at the right time.
She was favored and hand picked to be Queen to King Xerxes out of all other women. But all of her life led up to this pivotal moment. This was her chance to speak up and have a voice. You see we all get chances for God to use us but obviously it is up to listen and to do what He asks courageously.
Mordecai told Esther that there was an “order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women, and children” and plunder their goods, granted to wicked Haman who was a close noble to King Xerxes. She was a Jew herself so these were her people.
Her cousin Mordecai sent word: “instruct her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people”. She was granted one request of the king and it was up to her to save the lives of her people. She would be risking her own life to make this request. King Xerxes got rid of his last queen because she would not dance publicly for him and leaders from other countries. So naturally, Esther didn’t want to upset him like his previous queen did.
Esther sent word back to Mordecai in response: “Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16
Listen to her boldness! She is willing to do this even if she is sentenced to death! I am sure that she felt afraid but she was willing to fight for her people and let her voice be heard. Again she was in the right place at the right time. She was in a ready position willing to carry out God’s will at all costs.
God gave her wisdom and courage to make her request known to the king. She invited the king and Haman to a feast for dinner. While there, the king granted her one wish. She begged him to spare her people’s lives. The Jews were saved from annihilation because of her willingness to let her voice be heard. The king also punished Haman for this evil plot to kill her people.
God has given you a voice like He did with Esther. Here are some questions for introspection:
Are you listening for what God is asking of you?
Are you letting your voice be heard?
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
A Prayer For You
Lord thank You for giving me a voice. Show me what You want me to do and give me the courage to do it. In Jesus’ name, amen.