Esther

                        

      

Can you imagine the fear Hadassah felt as she was led through the palace? Her first night away from all she loved and held dear, her heart must have surely shattered in a million pieces. Maybe she felt like disappearing into the walls....wishing for an end to a torment forced upon her. Maybe she encouraged the other girls or was the one needing encouraged. Whatever she was feeling, she continued to be strong, somehow. She gained favor with the head over the women and was brought to the "top of the class" so to speak. Those closest to her in captivity were also advanced. At some point, Hadassah transformed into Esther, the beautiful and confident. She realized she could not hold onto the past. The life she had once known would now no longer be hers. Her former dreams had died to give birth to new ones. 

At some point she had to realize this:

Her God had not abandoned her.

There was a purpose for this time in her life.

Her life was not over.

She was more than she ever thought she was.

God was present, even in the darkest hours of fear and confusion.

She needed to come out of this as a victor.

She needed favor.

God was going to give her strength.

She could not change what happened.

She could only control how she reacted.

Even though nothing looked okay, Hadassah chose to believe a miracle would happen. 

At different times in our life, the stories we read have different feelings and meanings. We can identify with different aspects of them. I started to read Esther again today after being encouraged by a woman of God to read through some of the strong women in the Bible. In the coming months I look forward with not only sharing with stories from outreach, but also what the Lord is ministering to me about. Today, He spoke Truth to me about no matter how dark or confusing life might appear to be, He is still with us and He has the light to shine in even the darkest places. 

Peace & Blessings

Ashley

~*~ Leave a Legacy That Will Make a Difference in the World Around You.~*~