Christian devotionals, Christian Bible studies
Date Published: February 15, 2022
Publisher: Clay Bridges Press
Life today is scary, complicated, and hard to get right. So much
conflicting information is at our fingertips, and society shows the results
of everyone choosing their own version of “good.”
This year-long daily devotional doesn’t just talk about God; it takes us
directly to God and His inspired words in the Bible. Many think the Bible is
archaic and out of touch with life today. But you will discover in these
devotionals that the Bible is a great read, full of real people in real time
navigating real situations.
The Bible uncovers God’s heart for us. He has given us tools and strength
for our lives today. The Bible reveals God’s patience and perspective. Most
importantly, it leads us to Jesus, God’s Son, and the plan that reconciled
broken, imperfect people to God. Because Jesus paid the penalty for our
wrong choices, we can live confidently-loved, empowered, and forgiven by
God. Life today is scary, complicated, and hard to get right. So much
conflicting information is at our fingertips, and society shows the results
of everyone choosing their own version of “good.”
EXCERPT
Esther listened to Mordecai’s words. She was queen, and he was a relatively minor statesman, but she listened. Then she reached down into the deepest part of her and gathered all the courage and strength God had been slowly building into her life. A shift, slight but significant, took place, and the adopted daughter became Mordecai’s queen in every way.
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me,” Esther said. “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). Mordecai did just as Esther had commanded him.
Let’s slip into Mordecai and Esther’s place for a moment. They don’t know the end of this story. They can’t see past the “right now.” Pride mingled with apprehension in Mordecai’s heart. His little girl amazed him! He had made so many mistakes raising her. Some things he had gotten right and had seemed easy, but bringing up kids was hard. They had each put on a brave face when Esther was taken to the palace, but he had been troubled for her. There were things she would encounter that he had not prepared her for.
More than that was the fact that he had not been able to see Esther or talk to her for a long time. His arms and heart ached to hug her and tell her he loved her. Instead, he had to put on tough love and press her to take her responsibility as queen to the point of death. This was hard. This one pushed him to the breaking point. Mordecai thought he had given Esther to God, that he had trusted the Lord to care for her. God was showing him yet another level of this. It was as if God was saying, “You trust Me when it’s easy; you trust Me when it’s a little hard—a little different. Does your confidence in Me go all the way to the danger of death, to the place where you realize you have no control?”
Esther knew for the first time that she was on her own. She had always had Mordecai’s strength to lean on. Even during the past year in the palace, she had formed friendships with people who advised her and offered encouragement. She stood alone now, a young woman whose only power seemed to be in her looks. Her father had taught her differently, that their power came from God. And now they both were pushing her.
Her heart pounded, and her stomach churned as she considered her father’s words. If she didn’t do this, God would use someone else. Swallowing, Esther made her decision. If she died, she died. She did believe God was in control. This was bigger than her, and a thrill of excitement mingled with fear shot through her. “Fast and pray for three days,” she ordered her father and all her people. It was through God’s strength and wisdom that the Jews would be saved.
That was the plan. Fast and pray. We would want to know—then what? At this point, the answer was “I don’t know.” This can’t work. It sounds good in a religious way, but let’s be real. People’s lives were at stake. Someone needed to kill Haman, arm the Jews, and change the law. Doesn’t God help those who help themselves? Do something!
“It is He who sits above the circle of the earth . . . He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, who makes the judges of the earth meaningless” (Isa. 40:22–23). Perspective.
Bible Reading: Esther 4:13–17, Isaiah 40:12–26
About the Author
Tricia Kirchmeyer was born in Colorado and then moved to Southern
California, where she raised her family. She’s been married 39 years, has
three children and three grandchildren, and now lives close to her
grandchildren in Idaho. While raising her kids, Tricia worked in the public
school system, K-12. She enjoys hiking, cooking, and reading.
Tricia has written and taught women’s Bible studies, as well as written
scripts for plays for vacation Bible schools and adult plays for “The
Living Supper” Easter productions at her church. She has also led
weekly Bible studies in the Correctional Youth Service.
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