May 5th

May 5th  -- Esther 4 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther%204&version=NLT)

Mordecai requests Esther's help

When Mordecai learns about what had happened,  he tore his clothes, putting on burlap and covering himself in ash to symbolize mourning. Many other Jews did the same when they heard the news. Mordecai sat at the gate of the palace (one could not enter while in clothes of mourning) and when Esther heard of these she sent clothes to him. He refused them, and she was worried so she sent someone to ask him what was wrong/why he was in mourning. Hathach, whom Esther sent, went to Mordecai and asked this. Mordecai told him the whole story, including the money Haman had promised for the Jews' destruction, giving Hathach a copy of the decree and asking him to show Esther and explain the situation. He also said to ask Esther to plead with the king for mercy. Esther sent a message back explaining she hadn't been summoned in thirty days and if she entered his inner court and was not welcomed by having his gold scepter held out would be killed. Mordecai answered by saying even if she kept quiet she would end up dead, but instead deliverance will come from another place, but she and her family will die. He says maybe God made her queen for this reason. Esther answered by telling Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Susa and have them all fast three days and nights for her, and she and her maids will do the same. She says that then she will go to the king, and if she must die, then she must die. Mordecai does as she instructed.

Can you imagine that faith? Esther trusted God so wholly, she did not wait for a sign, but instead set up a plan, deciding no matter what the end was, it would be God's. I can't honestly say that I would have the strength to do that. I would like to think I would, but I would never know unless placed in those (or similar, at least) shoes... and I hope I never am.
As a second point, we recognize that Mordecai seemed to know Esther had been set up there for a reason. Now, whatever the reason, it must be acknowledged that (for those who know the story you know this) Esther was indeed made queen for a reason. God always sets things up for a reason. Nothing happens that is not within His control. I think it's especially important to remember that when our circumstance or situation seems grim, that's when God's got big plans for us, because He never places us in hard circumstances without reason. So have faith, that though what God asks may sometimes seem impossible, He has probably put you there for a reason, and therefore will not let you down.

Well that will be all. God bless! Shalom!