Esther 2:8 NKJV

So it was, when the king’s command and decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was taken to the king’s palace, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women.

God will at times get us to places he needs us to be for the fulfilment of his purposes in ways and means that are strange and painful at times. The stories of Esther and Joseph are good examples.

King Ahaserus made a feast lasting for 7 days and at one point during this feast he sent for his wife, queen Vashti, to come wearing her royal crown so that he could parade her before the guests to display her beauty. The queen refused to come and this was the beginning of her downfall.

The king banishes her from her position and the search for another queen begins. The king ordered for beautiful young virgins to be found throughout the kingdom and Esther was one of those who was taken against her will. These women were put through beauty treatments for about a year in preparation to spend a night with the king.

The woman the king would like would become the king. The others would become the king’s concubines, but they rarely if ever saw him after that. They were not permitted to marry, meaning they lived perpetually as widows.

Esther ends up being chosen to be the next queen. The road to this position may not have been what she would have chosen, but she God there. Romans 8:28 tells us that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose. God knew what was to happen in this kingdom, and he needed someone next to the king to sway his heart when that time comes, lest the Jews be destroyed. Esther was that person.

This is an encouragement to you and me that God will get you where he requires you to fulfil his purpose. Qualifications or environment don’t matter, he will get you there. He got Joseph to the place just as he did with Esther, and he will do the same for you if you stay faithful to him and his purposes because he is the God of divine placements.

Reflections.

• Queen Vashti’s disobedience cost her her position. Have you ever lost an opportunity or position because of disobedience?
• What are your thoughts about Esther’s journey to become queen?
• How would you describe Esther’s character?