This coming Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Esther or Purim. 

It is a day to commemorate a young, orphaned Jewish girl who would become Queen in a foreign nation.

Taken from her only known relative, she was abducted with all young girls who were rounded up to be offered to the King. He would bed them as a test drive as he sought a new wife -- a replacement for the prior Queen who was ousted for refusing to dance naked before the King and the wider community at a drunken debauchery that had been going on for at least a week.

Her story in reality would be terrifying and heartbreaking if a movie was done in her honor. But as God would have it... 

Esther was chosen to be Queen and find favor with the King. In the process, she hid her Jewishness and did her part. When a ruthless social climber in the King's circle decided to rid the land of Jews because of one particular man who would not bow to him or anyone other than God. It happened to be Esther's uncle!

Through prayer, encouragement from her uncle and some God shaped miracles, the people were spared a genocide. Esther found great favor with her husband and her uncle was made a man in charge and the evil villain Haman was hung with his sons on the same gallows he had created to hang Uncle Mordecai! That is why the name Haman is booed and blotted out as the story is read each year. Evil does not deserve the free press.

This day reminds us of the value of faith, courage and doing the right thing in the face of evil. 

It has been said that evil wins battles -- not wars. God will ultimately make His plans come to fruition against evil. Always. 

As it was said of Hadassah, the beautiful young Jewess who would become a Queen and save her people, she was born for that time and purpose.

You, also, were born for such a time as this. How will you respond to evil when God has placed you in a position to make a difference?

Just a thought.

Maranatha, y'all.

He's coming back. Will you be prepared?

Shalom/Peace.