August 30 Prove Yourself

Philippians 2:12-17  So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. (NASB)

Esther proved herself blameless and innocent—and God was certainly at work in her. I recently watched the Veggie Tales version of Queen Esther. It portrayed Esther as not being willing to go to the palace and kind of whiny, grumbling. Haman demands that the young girls get in his wagon—including Esther—and they’re off to the palace. Esther doesn’t seem too happy once she is in the palace—and makes it into the final selection for the next queen. She sings a wonderful song that her grandmother taught her. That wins the king’s heart—even Haman gives her a thumbs up—and she is chosen as the next queen.

 

How do you think Esther reacted as queen? I think that she was a humble and obedient young lady who stepped up to do the right thing in the right time without grumbling. It took courage. Esther proved herself above reproach and obedient to God. She stood up for what was right and for her people without grumbling. What more can each one of us do? Don’t give in to peer pressure or misdirected controls, like those that Haman imposed on the Jews. Stand up for our heritage, our rights—and hold fast to God’s word. No whining or grumbling.

Dear Lord, continue to help us to obey your word and seek your ways—give us courage like Esther.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.