The Story of Esther is definitely an inspiring one. This classic tale of a common girl being chosen as a princess - or in this case, a queen - is the fantasy story that many girls hold dear. It has all the plot points that we love: secret ancestry, scheming villains, assassination attempts, and a just ending. And telling the story through the centuries is always a party!

It would be easy to say that Esther was probably very beautiful and very kind, which helped her along the way. It would be easy to say that her courage was ignited by the dire circumstances of Haman's plans. It would also be easy to say that Esther's character was repeatedly admired throughout her story. And all of those things would be true. But there's an underlying factor that makes the Story of Esther even more special. Most of the time, it's always relayed as a tale of courage, bravery, and righteousness. But what sometimes gets overlooked is her obedience.

When taken to the King's palace, Esther obeyed the advice of her uncle Mordechai, keeping her linage secret. When brought into the women's chambers, her obedience to the instructions of her overseer brought her an extra measure of provision and favor among the king's household. When she was about to be presented to the King, she obeyed the chief eunuch's advice and won the King's heart. When she heard about the horror that Haman was plotting, she was obedient to the commandments of her people - even though she was in a foreign land, under foreign rule - and followed the example of Moses in Exodus 33.

So Moses said to Adonai “You say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My eyes.’ Now then, I pray, if I have found grace in Your eyes, show me Your ways, so that I may know You, so that I might find favor in Your sight. Consider also that this nation is Your people.” “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest,” He answered. But then he said to Him, “If Your presence does not go with me, don’t let us go up from here! For how would it be known that I or your people have found favor in Your sight? Isn’t it because You go with us, that distinguishes us from all the people on the face of the earth?” Adonai answered Moses, “I will also do what you have said, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name.”  -Exodus 33:12-17 TLV

Compared to seeking out the favor of the God of the Universe, the favor of a foreign king seems small. So Esther did as Moses did.

Then said the king to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? Whatever you request, even as much as half of the kingdom, it will be given to you.” So Esther said, “If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.” The king replied, “Bring Haman quickly so we may do what Esther said.” Then the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther prepared. As they were drinking wine, the king said to Esther, “What is your request? It will be granted to you. Whatever you request, even as much as half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.” Esther answered and said, “My petition and my request is this: If I have found favor in the king’s eyes and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and my request, then let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet that I will prepare for them—and then I will do as the king requests.”  - Esther 5:3-8 TLV

So the king and Haman came to dine with Queen Esther, and as they were drinking wine on the second day, the king asked Esther again, “Whatever you request, even as much as half of the kingdom, it will be given to you.” So Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in the eyes of the king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare the life of my people—this is my request!  - Esther 7:1-3 TLV

It can seem heroic to have bravery in the big moments of life. But the thing that builds that bravery is slow, consistent acts of obedience over time. With every choice to act in accordance with God's commands of humility, righteousness, kindness, and compassion, Esther built favor in the eyes of everyone who met her. That favor was a strong enough foundation that it made her tower above the gallows that Haman built in anticipation of enacting his revenge. Even more amazing is that she took the time to seek God's favor before ever seeking the favor of the King!

Scripture tells us in 1 Samuel 15:22 that to obey is better than sacrifice. And while Esther was willing to sacrifice herself for the future of her people, it was her obedience along the way that cleared that path for victory and justice.

So, ask yourself these questions as you enter into the holiday of Purim:

1. Am I setting a foundation of godliness and obedience now that will allow God to use in the future?
   
   
2. Am I taking the time to seek the favor of God before I seek the favor of man?
   
   
3. Am I being obedient in the small things, with the minor authorities in my life, and to my small pledges - showing myself faithful before the Lord? 
   

In figuring out the answers to these questions, you can take a page out of Esther's book (literally) and one day be used mightily for the salvation of God's people!

May Adonai bless and keep you!