May 6th

May 6th -- Esther 5 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther%205&version=NLT)

Esther's request to the king ; Haman's plan to kill Mordecai

So on the third day of the fast, Esther entered the inner court, as she said she would. When the king saw her, he welcomed her by holding out his golden scepter. She approached and touched the end. The king asked her what she wanted, saying he'll give it to her even if it is half the kingdom! Esther asks if he and Haman may come to a banquet she has prepared for him. The king tells his attendants to have Haman come for the banquet. As they drank wine, the king asked Esther what her real request was, repeating that even if it was half the kingdom he would give it to her. She says that she wants him and Haman to come to the banquet she will prepare for tomorrow, and then she will explain what this whole situation is about.

Haman was happy leaving the banquet, but when he saw Mordecai at the palace gate not shaking in fear at him, he got mad. However, he kept his cool and went home. Haman gathered his friends and wife and boasted about lots of things (wealth, family, being appointed above the other nobles). He also said that Esther had invited him to a banquet tomorrow with the king, and had invited her to another one tomorrow! Then his wife and friend suggest taking and sharpening a 75-foot pole and impaling Mordecai on it, so he can go happily to the banquet. Haman likes the idea, and orders the pole be set up.

Sometimes my own lack of faith in God at times astonishes me. I always worry that I will face obstacles I cannot overcome. I always think that I won't be able to do what He's asked. Sometimes it's as if I think He'll forget to move an obstacle out of my way or help me over it. I need to remember Esther at these times. She could have been killed just for walking into that court without permission. She did so anyways and was welcomed. In fact, not only was she welcomed, but the king asked her what she wished, saying he'd even give her half the kingdom! The king was not only not cruel to her, but he was being incredibly kind! He had no reason, to be, leaving the only explanation to be God. I think we sometimes feel that another person will get in the way of God's plans, because they're not Christian, so why would they help accomplish His will? Yet, in those moments, we forget that our God is the God of ALL people, not just those who choose to follow Him. God will not let an unbeliever stand in our way when we work for His will - He will simply change the circumstances for our benefit. I find this hugely encouraging, as I always feel the biggest threat to believers is non-believers. However, God is entirely in control of them, too, as shown by the king's strange amount of kindness that day... It's great to remember this - our God is bigger than ALL problems and is in control of ALL things. He works for His good plan, and nothing shall stop Him from accomplishing it. We can't get in the way, don't worry.

That will be all for today! God bless! Shalom!