Transforming Fear To Faith
BRD REFLECTIONS
(Estella Lau, D&N Comms and Publicity; Chairperson SHAPE)
READ:
Esther 4:12-16, Psalms 65:2-8 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Haman the Agagite convinced King Xerxes to issue an edict to “destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews…” (Esther 3:13) because he was offended by Mordecai’s refusal (he was a Jew) to pay him honour. Mordecai approached Queen Esther to beg the king for mercy for her people. Esther was apprehensive about seeking an audience with the king without being summoned by him as that was an offence punishable by death. Challenged by Mordecai, Esther overcame her fear and resolved to approach King Xerxes to rescind his edict. She sent instructions to Mordecai to gather all the Jews and fast for her for three days. The additional Greek translated text in the Apocrypha (14, Addition C) mentioned that Esther prayed to the God of Israel whilst fasting before she sought audience with the king.
APPLY:
Life is full of uncertainties – disasters and calamities can happen to any one of us, including those who live “in the king’s house” like Queen Esther. The question is how do I respond to such circumstances – with faith or fear? More importantly, how do I move from fear to faith?
Here are 2 lessons I learnt from Esther:
1. Esther sought God through fasting and prayer
Before she approached the king, Esther sought to be in the presence of the one true King through fasting and prayer.
Whilst God seems to be absent in the book of Esther, one can sense His presence and see His hand working in the various sub-plots:
- appointing Esther, a Jew, to be queen to a gentile king;
- using Mordecai’s words in 4:14 to transform Esther’s fear to firm resolve, “When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (4:16).
In the midst of a storm, I need to fast from worldly distractions and seek God in solitude and prayer. God may be silent but I need to trust that He is there behind the scenes orchestrating His perfect plan for me. As David proclaimed in Psalm 65:2, 5, “You who answer prayer, to You all people will come. You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Saviour, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas”, I am assured that when I choose to live in His courts, I will be filled with the good things of His holy temple (Psalms 65:4). Prayer may not change my circumstances, but it will change my perspective. Esther was girded with strength and courage when she prayed and fasted, just as Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane as He faced the biggest trial of His life on earth.
2. Esther chose to act instead of remaining silent
Esther realised that she had come to her royal position “for such a time as this” – to deliver her people from imminent destruction. It seemed like an impossible task and one that could cost Esther her life, but she chose to act according to God’s will. I need to be willing to take up whatever assignment God has given to me even though it may cost me dearly. God will deliver His plan regardless of my decision – but if I choose to remain silent, I will miss out on the blessing of witnessing His power at work. On many occasions, my fear was transformed to faith when God provided and delivered me through what seemed like impossible situations.
DO:
Jesus did not promise my discipleship journey to be a bed of roses, but He promised that He will be with me every step of the way. In the midst of the storm, I need to remain steadfast by being grounded in His Word, actively seeking Him in prayer and solitude, and answering His call to serve and be a blessing to others.
PRAY:
I give you thanks and praise, O God my Saviour, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves and the turmoil of the nations. Indeed, the whole earth is filled with awe at Your wonders.
In challenging situations, help me to draw near to You to seek comfort and guidance, and grant me the courage to answer Your call instead of remaining silent, for You have placed me in my current station for such a time as this.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
