Nougat 26

What is your automatic response in tough circumstances and to whom do you turn? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”” ‭‭Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

After Esther told her uncle that his issue was too risky for representation; Mordecai replied. And this aspect of his answer is worth noting. He had already shared all the details of Hamaan’s plan with her, including the amount of money invested to secure the king’s compliance. Hence, she was his last (only) resort.

Scholars have commented on the noticeable absence of God’s name in the entire book of Esther; which is so replete with the core elements of faith: prayer (and fasting), and a deep-rooted unwavering confidence in God’s protective grace. This confidence is revealed in Mordecai’s response.

We have no idea whether there were other relatives around; but his life was definitely threatened. Regardless of that fact, Mordecai had no doubt that despite Hamaan’s plans, God’s will would prevail. Whether this was rooted in personal experience, or from the lessons learned from, and the midrash tradition of the wider community, we are not sure. But his calm assurance is in total contrast to the desperate situation facing them.

How do we respond under pressure? Do we have that calm assurance that God’s in control? When facing looming deadlines, can we even hear God’s voice? Was Mordecai attempting to force God’s hand, or had he received divine directions to seek Esther out?

I confess I have responded in various ways. Sometimes a bit extremely. I recall being confident that God wouldn’t rescue me in particular situations/seasons and giving lip service to prayer and fasting (sorry Lord). There have been other instances however, when my faith didn’t waver – I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that my God would see me/the situation through.

Faith requires that we believe in God’s ability even when the odds seem to be against us. Especially when we are attuned and aligned to God’s plan and purposes. May our trust be as unwavering as Mordecai in times of stress.

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May all we seek be found in Christ