DEVOTION
A Defining Moment
By Dianne Neal Matthews
Guest Writer
CBN.com
- Esther 4:10-11
After becoming queen, Esther lived in two worlds. Nothing could be further from her Jewish upbringing than life in the place of a powerful Persian monarch. Although Esther lived in luxury, with numerous servants to carry out her slightest whim, her role required her to live among people who did not know God. Esther conducted herself in a way that won the favor of those around her, yet she remained true to her heritage. She stayed in constant contact with her guardian, Mordecai, and followed his advice just as she had before she became queen.
A sudden crisis disrupted this settled arrangement and brought Esther to a defining moment in her life. When Haman scheduled a day for the Jewish people's annihilation, Mordecai urged Esther to intervene. Esther knew the dangers this entailed-approaching the king without an invitation meant death unless he chose to extend his scepter. Esther also didn't know how Xerxes would react when he found out that she was Jewish. Would she reveal her race or continue to conceal it? Would she speak up for her people or stay quiet and hope to avoid trouble? Esther's decision would change her world and that of her people, one way or another.
Many Christian women try to live in two separate worlds. We may work hard to fit in on the job, around the neighborhood, or in social settings while keeping our faith a private matter. Although we try to justify our silence as a desire not to force our beliefs on others, God will eventually require us to choose which world we represent. How will we react when speaking up for Christ brings us ridicule or poses a danger, such as losing a job? Whether we choose to conceal or reveal our faith, it will affect our lives and the lives of those around us.
Is there a setting in which God is asking you to reveal your faith?
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This Devotion is taken from The One Year Women of the Bible Devotion.
(Tyndale House Publishers)
© 2007 Dianne Neal Matthews
Dianne Neal Matthews has written Devotions, magazine articles, and newspaper features. She is the author of The One Year on This Day (Tyndale House) and is a contributing author to Classic Christmas: True Stories of Holiday Cheer and Goodwill (Adams Media). Dianne is a CLASS graduate and a member of Toastmasters. She and her husband, Richard, live in central Illinois and have three grown children and a granddaughter.
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