FAVOUR IN ACTION
Esther’s life is a masterpiece of God’s favour at work. Through her story, we see how favour moves through every stage of life, orchestrating events to fulfill divine purposes. Here is Esther’s journey of favour, step by step, accompanied by biblical references.
There are eight possible images of Esther. Please vote for your perception of what Queen Esther may have looked like. Share your views in the comments
1. Favour Created Her
Esther, born as Hadassah, was a Jewish girl living in exile in Persia. Though she started with no royal lineage, her existence was no accident; she was created for a divine purpose.
- Psalm 139:14: “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”
2. Favour Preserved Her
Though Esther’s parents died, God preserved her life through the care of her cousin Mordecai. This preservation was part of His plan to position her for greatness.
- Esther 2:7: “Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had neither father nor mother.”
3. Favour Adopted Her
God’s favour placed Mordecai in Esther’s life, adopting her as his own daughter. This adoption gave her the stability and foundation she needed for her future role.
- Esther 2:7: “When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.”
4. Favour Trained Her
Esther’s character was molded by her upbringing under Mordecai’s guidance. She learned obedience, discretion, and courage—qualities that would later shine.
- Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
5. Favour Created a Unique Opportunity
When Queen Vashti was deposed, a unique opportunity arose for Esther to be considered as a potential queen. This was not mere coincidence but divine orchestration.
- Esther 2:3-4: “Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king… Then let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.”
6. Favour Favoured Her
From the moment Esther entered the palace, she found favour in the eyes of those around her, especially Hegai, the custodian of the women. This favour paved the way for her ultimate selection as queen.
- Esther 2:9: “Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance.”
7. Favour Selected Her
God’s hand was evident when King Ahasuerus chose Esther above all others. Her selection was not just because of her beauty but because of divine favour.
- Esther 2:17: “The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight… so he set the royal crown upon her head.”
8. Favour Lifted Her
Esther’s rise to the throne was a direct result of God’s favour. From obscurity, she was lifted to the position of queen—a place of influence and power.
- Psalm 75:6-7: “For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one and exalts another.”
9. Favour Positioned Her
Esther’s position as queen was not random but intentional. She was placed in the palace to intercede for her people when they faced annihilation.
- Esther 4:14: “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
10. Favour Taught Her Wisdom
When faced with the daunting task of saving her people, Esther displayed wisdom by seeking God through fasting and carefully planning her approach to the king.
- James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
11. Favour Made Her Bold
Approaching the king uninvited was punishable by death, but Esther’s boldness—rooted in God’s favour—enabled her to risk her life for her people.
- Esther 5:1-2: “On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court… the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand.”
12. Favour Made Her Remember
Though Esther lived in the luxury of the palace, she never forgot her roots or her people. This sense of purpose drove her to intercede on their behalf.
- Esther 4:16: “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me… I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”
13. Favour Gave Her and the Jews Victory
Through Esther’s intercession, the Jews were not only delivered but also empowered to defend themselves. Haman’s evil plot was overturned, and joy replaced their mourning.
- Esther 9:1: “On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them.”
- Esther 9:22: “…their sorrow was turned to joy and their mourning into a holiday.”
Is There a Limit to What God’s Favour Can Do?
The story of Esther answers this question with a resounding “No!” God’s favour can create opportunities, elevate the lowly, grant wisdom, protect in danger, and bring victory in the most hopeless situations. Esther’s life reminds us that God’s favour is limitless and purposeful, always working to fulfill His divine plan.
Esther’s life teaches us that favour is not random; it is strategic. It is a tool in God’s hands to bring about His purposes, and it always works for His glory and the good of His people.
A Prayer for God’s Favour
Heavenly Father, thank You for the story of Esther, which reveals the limitless power of Your favour. Just as You orchestrated her life for Your purpose, we ask for Your favour to guide, protect, and position us to fulfill the roles You have designed for us. May Your favour grant us boldness, wisdom, and victory in every area of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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