Upon My Honor - Esther (Part 2)

Besides treating others significantly, another attribute of honor is:  Being in “it” to help others, not just to look good or feel good about yourself.   Selfish ambition will give up quickly and will not keep you for the long haul in anything.   When our desire is to really help others, we are less likely to become discouraged over the process of time.  Having a real burden for people will keep you through the difficult times but any motivation that is based on vain desire will not be enough to keep you from quitting right in the middle of something.  Esther proved that she was in "it" for more than just her comfort, status or safety.  She was made completely aware that her freedom came with a great price and that helping the others could possibly be the reason that she had been given such an awesome opportunity.

Even though His name is never mentioned, God’s power and plan is evident throughout the entire book of Esther.  We not only see that He had a plan but we also see His foreknowledge of everyone that He would use.  God knows perfectly who to choose for what.  He knew that Esther would be obedient to His call, surrendered to His plan, and overwhelmed by the burden for the loss of her people.  He knew that she would want to help and that her passion to save them would be strong enough to move her into taking great risks; and, of course, He knew that He couldn’t and wouldn’t even come close to failing her or letting her down.  He sovereignly orchestrated the events of Esther's life; letting her be brought into the kingdom, giving her the position and crown and eventually using her to save many people.  

Esther won the hearts of everyone around her because she had already won the heart of God.  And no one, not even a King, can withstand a woman who has the hand of God all over her.   Has anyone ever just liked you or just randomly offered to help you as you walked away wondering why?   Well, now you know that it was probably the hand of God.  I have learned that If God likes you then He will cause the right people to like you too.   He knows how to direct our steps and how to send certain people along the way to offer us their assistance.  Seems like everybody liked Esther and that everybody wanted to help her.   But it wasn’t anything to do with anything other than God.   Do you know what I mean?  It was God’s foresight, plan and agenda.   Esther was chosen as part of that plan because God knew that He could trust her.  She was given a place of honor because she showed honor. God already knew that she wasn’t the kind of girl who would be in “it” just for herself...   He knew that she would be in “it” to help others.

Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina

Upon My Honor - Esther

Last week, we studied the one who showed no honor (Vashti) and we learned what not to do.   This week let’s study the one who showed great honor and learn more about what we should do.  Showing someone honor is to treat them as “significant.”  Esther treated everyone around her as if they were greatly significant.   One thing that will distinguish “honorable women” from others is that they tend to treat people the same, no matter who those people seem to be or not be.  Honorable people aren’t consumed with the idea of recognition or advancement and regularly practice “not showing partiality toward selective people.”  It’s not that they don’t want to move up or become more successful… they understand that God is the one who is in charge of promotion and He would never give anyone a greater opportunity to become a better snob!  Lol!  Do you know what I mean?  There’s nothing honorable about sucking up to the people you think to be “somebody” all the while ignoring those you consider to be of less importance.   

Even though he may not have appeared so at first, one of the most important people in Esther’s life was Hegai (the eunuch) who was placed in charge of her care.  She won his favor instantly by treating him with respect and honor.  Her honor is seen in her obedience to his instruction (don’t bother trying to fake honor with the right smile and speech if you are not going to respect and follow instruction).   Esther treated him like he was somebody worth listening to and she proved it by doing what he said.   Imagine how her relationship with him would have failed had she treated him as if he was just one of the king’s mere servants.   Hegai was the one who helped her win the king’s favor (Hegai had experience and a longer relationship with the king so he could direct her in what the king liked).  Something worth remembering today:  Many times it’s our regard for “mere servants” that help us win the favor of God; and with God’s favor comes reward, which generally includes a better position.

True honor can only come from a place of understanding humility, gratitude and our own self-worth.  Women who are unthankful about their own life have a difficult time showing honor because they always feel left out or that there’s “nothing in it” for them … Women who have low self-esteem will be confused thinking that showing honor is somehow an admittance that they are of lesser value…  And of course, women who are prideful will never feel the need to further empower any leader’s assumption that they are esteemed higher or outrank them. Lol!     Esther showed humility by allowing others to instruct and help her.  She showed that she found value in all people (even servants).  She respected the positions and opinions of others.  She proved that she knew how to show honor.  What a girl!  Log in next week and find out how her honor won the king and ultimately the crown!

Loving U Like a Sister,

Regina