Rising Above Despair

The story of Esther speaks to us of so many things; love, sacrifice, trust, prayer, devotion and destiny. There is also, a profound message of evil which Christians should take special note of. For the hate which motivates Haman’s wicked plans, flows from an ancient source: it is the spirit of the anti-Christ seeking to destroy God’s people.

While this story focuses much on Esther and her struggle to save her people, we miss much of God’s message if we only see her faith. For Esther did not act alone, nor was she without council. Her cousin Mordecai continued his guidance in her life even when she was taken from his home and held in the king’s palace. For just as Esther was placed in a particular position “for such a time as this,” so too was Mordecai, (Esther 4:14NIV). He was a profound influence in directing Esther’s feet to the king’s throne.

The battle between Mordecai and Haman dates back to the time of the Exodus. While Mordecai’s people were God’s chosen: the son’s of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the pernicious Haman also had a people: the Amalekites. These were the first to attack the Israelites after they had been delivered from Egypt and God thus declared them—forever-- enemies of His people. Now, nearly five hundred years later, the war Saul failed to put to an end--with the evil King Agag--was continued between Mordecai and Haman. However, when we look to the spirits that guide the acts of each man, we see the battle is truly between our great God and his adversary, the devil. This battle--we know— continues.

God’s warns us of His enemy. In fact, He instructs us to be alert and on guard; “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour,” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan’s efforts today have changed very little: he works through the hands of men and women to wound, oppress, beat down and murder those God loves. Haman wanted to destroy Mordecai’s people yet, Satan wants to kill us all.

This is why it is so important for God’s children to remain in tune with His Holy Spirit. The Spirit teaches us the truth and is our comfort and strength in times of peril. When we face horrific circumstances and all hope looks to be lost, we must force ourselves to remember the immeasurable love of God. This God of ours is as close to us as our very skin, if we abide in Him. Therefore, we are challenged not to despair in fearful times. God’s word does not end with just a warning to be alert. His message continues; “Resist him, standing firm in the faith…” (1 Peter 5:9NIV). God would not tell us to do something we could not do, nor would he abandon us in the fight. In the power of Christ, we can resist the devil and therefore we can resist fear and despair. For there is always hope in Jesus.

Mordecai held onto his faith and it is what gave him hope in the midst of terror. Mordecai believed the goodness of God and saw His hand in Esther’s life. However, his insight was not handed to him in a dream. A prominent theme of the book of Esther is the absence of reference to God in the story. His name is not mentioned once. However, His Spirit is addressed in several ways. Mordecai expresses the heart of God by adopting Esther as a daughter. He remembers God’s laws though in exile in Persia. He teaches Esther the ways of the Lord when she is but a child. This is poignant, for Esther remained under Mordecai’s influence though she had gained the hand of King Xerxes; “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it,” (Proverbs 22:6NIV). Mordecai loved Esther and like Abraham, was willing to sacrifice his child though he knew not why he must do so. Esther, like Jesus, was willing to die for God’s children.

How does one over come despair in such trials? Tracing the steps of the faithful in this story provide a helpful example. First we see Mordecai cries out to God. His torn clothes and ash covered head convey his humble state before the Lord. We see he takes the initiative to find out the facts for himself and then looks for the hand of God in the situation. Next Mordecai refused empty comforts offered him. His mind stayed fixed on the issue. He therefore gains insight to the purpose of God. Mordecai then is strengthened by his trust in God. He responds by encouraging Esther to remain in God’s will and reminds her of His sovereignty. It is this demonstration of faith and obedience that Esther has come to trust in her cousin and in turn her faith is called into action. Esther petitions prayer covering and humbles herself to the Lord’s plan. She denies her body and thus shows her dependence on God to sustain her. God’s work consumes her as well and after THREE days of dying to self, Esther rises in the power of Christ and faces the enemy. Is it no wonder Haman hung from the gallows? Our God always defeats the spirit of death!

We certainly will face the wrath of sin and the enemy in our life on earth. However, we do not have to fall into despair. Though the kings of this world send out their edicts, the great I Am is in control. Fear not child of God! For a Kingdom plan is at work. Look for the hand of God in every situation and trust, “for such a time as this,” we are perfectly placed and purposed to surrender our all. Only God knows who will be saved through our obedience to the call.