Dear Women of God in 21st Century America,

     And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? Let your greatest desire be to please the King. I was nobody, powerless and a Jew. I was an outsider. That didn’t matter to God. I really want you to hear my voice and see my perspective.
     There are many books written about the book of Esther; however, I don’t think much attention is given to how God used a woman like me to deliver his people. I am a real person, not a figure of imagination created by someone. God created a real woman. Don’t waste valuable time trying to be somebody without realizing that only God molds and shapes those he uses for his purposes. When we try to find significance in life, without God, it is useless. You have to release yourself to Him. He knows the plans for you.
     Mordecai said to me, “…And who knows?” God knew what purpose he had in mind for my life. That’s all that matters. You will never reach your potential in life unless you follow where he leads. Are you learning to recognize His hand? It requires times being alone before Him away from the busyness of work, family, friends and even ministry. Sometimes He allows us to be in a situation whereas there is no one else to lean on but him. That is what happened to me. Maybe you can relate.
     My safety net, Mordecai, was gone when I entered the gates of the palace. All of us have a safety net or two; what are yours? Who or what are you relying on more than God? Sometimes we become so attached to our careers, material possessions, status, giftedness––and, yes, even our ministries and churches that we don’t know what God has put inside of us. If any of these things are taken away, where will it leave you? Would you be able to trust God anyhow? Would you lose your rhythm in life?
Would you be so off track that you are paralyzed? Maybe you are like me. I did not realize how much I relied on Mordecai until God brought me to a new place, a place I had never been before. He thought just maybe I became too comfortable in my royal position. Mordecai didn’t realize that in his absence, God had been growing me up. I was no longer his little girl. If he had known this, he would not have spoken so strongly about my being in the king’s house as if that was all I had going for me. By the time I learned of the bad news concerning my people, I was at a point in life where God was all I had. I was thoroughly committed to doing His will because He brought me through a process of surrender. I was confident that God would take care of the results.
     Now, when I look back, I see nothing but God’s favor. I experienced His favor in the past, but never to this extent. It seemed like He kept opening doors that I just walked through without manipulation, fight or plea to gain the king’s approval. King Xerxes’ focus was on finding a queen; God’s focus was on making a servant. I am a servant of God. Through my life, He saved His people.
     When He makes a servant, He uses her. Many of us want to be used by God but we are not worshippers. We worship Him for who He is. If he does nothing or nothing else, His name should be exalted. True worship leads us into surrender. We let go. Obedience becomes a strong desire. Behavior aligns with His will. We live in such a way that every now and then we sense God is smiling on us! The more we know Him, the more we want to please Him. Giving ourselves to Him comes after He reveals Himself to us. Then we are open to be stretched by Him in service. He gives the opportunities; we don’t have to look for them. He will lead us.
     You have many distractions today. It’s easy to put your trust in something or someone other than God. I trusted Him even when I was forced to go to the palace. I trusted from day one, but still while I was there my faith was enlarged so that my feet would not slip. When it came time for the greater assignment, I was ready. God makes you ready. I stopped thinking about those things that bring people happiness; God helped me to see those things that are important to Him. I considered a greater purpose.
     I did not blindly come into my marriage relationship. No, Hegai taught me things about the king. Many women get married today without even learning what marriage is about. It was different for me; Hegai taught me how to be a queen. Who’s teaching you how to be a queen? Concubines and queens don’t behave the same way. The standards are higher for queens. Know the difference and chose to live as a queen!
     The longer I was with my mentor, the more I got to know the king. Who knew the king better than Hegai? I was motivated to know him because I wanted to please him as his wife not as a concubine. Too many young ladies are settling for the concubine role instead of preparing to be a wife. The benefits in being a wife are far greater than being a concubine. Don’t settle for less! Even in our spiritual life, we settle for the "I’ll-be-with-You-when-I-need-You" fellowship with our Heavenly Father rather than a constant fellowship with Him. It all begins with a desire. The Apostle Paul passionately and consistently prayed for the Ephesians, “the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better” (Ephesians 1:17).
     Knowing God is powerful and profitable. I am not talking about knowing about Him, but knowing Him. Let your desire be to deeply love Him. I never let my royal position keep me from growing intimately with God. This is what it takes for Him to walk closely with us. Have you allowed a new position, relationship or activity keep you from growing intimately with God?
     When Mordecai said,“ but that you have come to royal position...” in that moment I knew God brought me here “for such a time as this.” I began to think about all that had happened to me from the day I was brought to the palace. God will never have us do something He does not provide for. It was no mistake that I had been exalted to a royal position to help God’s people. I believed it was by His providence that I was in a position to serve a doomed people. I was chosen to serve the king as his wife, but there was a greater purpose – to serve God. I was the right person, in the right place and at the right time. I believed that justice would prevail. I knew this deep inside.
     It is easy to be blindsided by the ordinary without seeing how God wants to use you for an extraordinary work. This was a divine assignment and I knew it from the bottom of my heart. My deepest desire above all things, even my own desires, passions, and needs, is to serve the Lord. His fingerprints were everywhere in my life. Mordecai knew it, but he thought I got caught up in the king and all the royalty. You can imagine getting caught up in a five or six figure salary with amenities. God has always been near to Mordecai. But what he didn’t know was that I continued to grow in my relationship with God.
     In fact, I got to know God better in the palace than when I was living in the province. Location makes no difference to God; it is never a barrier. He’s everywhere and we are not out of His reach! What do you believe about His providence concerning where you are in life? What circumstances did He use to bring you to where you are in life? Are you growing in your faith right where you are?
     “For such a time as this” relates to a specific time. I learned that my people needed to be rescued and I was in a position to help them. Could I have ignored it? It was all in God’s timing. It was not a “just so happen” thing. He needed me in this very moment. If you are walking in obedience and sometimes even disobedience with God, He might show you where He needs you to serve for the good of others.
     Abraham walked in obedience; Jonah walked in disobedience for a while. My people needed to be rescued. I saw God’s fingerprints on the situation and it made it easier for me to respond, “yes, Lord!” I had a stronger conviction after our time of fasting and prayer.
     You should consider doing a timeline of your life or a map of seasons in your life listing significant events or benchmarks to see how God led you to where you are right now. Don’t be like some women who never stop to exhale to see what God is teaching them. You might be surprised by what you learn about your journey. It's beneficial for us to pause to reflect, pray, discern and imagine!
There is a price to pay in being at one with God. I was willing to pay the price of being thrown out of the palace or even losing my own life to fulfill His purpose. I meant it when I said, “And if I perish, I perish.” When I spoke these words, in my heart, I knew I was sold out to God. I love Him with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. There are those who say they will follow and there are also those who actually follow God; there is a difference. If I tried to do this on my own, I would have messed up everything. He was there for me and I knew it. He gave me what to say and when to say it.
     Don’t think God is not strategic. The plan was already in motion. He was asking me to get involved with saving His people. Doesn’t this sound like a big request? He was letting me know that there is nothing too big or complex for Him. I couldn’t imagine God not asking you to do big things for Him to affect the lives of others. Maybe He's speaking now?
     My response is a powerful testimony of my love for our God. I could not have done any of this without my faith in Him. My obedience in responding to His will is motivated by my love. Does that make sense to you? Even if I disobeyed God, like Mordecai said, “relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but (me) and (my) family will perish.” To me those were some strong and unnecessary words. Mordecai just didn’t understand where I stood concerning my obedience to God.
Oftentimes people on the outside make wrong assumptions about you. That’s what he did about me. Since I have been in the palace, God taught me how to stand firm believing in His word and strength, coupled with prayer. It didn’t take any persuasion to ask the Jews to pray and fast for me. I needed God’s strength, and I knew they were willing to sacrifice. I desired above all things to obey God. This assignment was entrusted to me and I took it seriously. There was no hesitation on my part. It’s not difficult to obey when you’ve experienced His faithful love.
     How does your testimony reflect His faithful love for you? In what ways are your actions motivated by His faithful love? I hope the sermons and Bible studies you attend are balanced. What I mean is that too much about “you” and too little about God isn’t good. I’ve learned about who I am through knowing Him. In fact, I believe it is the only way to know your “true self.” I recognize His character and nature in me because He has revealed himself to me, through His grace. No one is perfect, but my deepest desire in life was to know God. It paid off!
     God uses women to change the world in powerful ways even when the odds are against us. I am the face of many women desiring to be used by Him to make a difference in the world. More women like me are in the Body of Christ.
     The 21st Century needs women of God who speak truth about the failure of systems and structures that harm and even destroy people. You cannot become too comfortable and forget about those who need your leadership. How hot is your fire for a worthy cause? Who keeps coming to mind as someone needing an advocate? In what ways is God making you ready for a royal position? How responsive are you?
     You have so many wonderful role models from the past and present to glean from. Some of them appear in this book, but there are many more. Continue to learn from them. Spend time with those women who walk the talk. Pray for them. Emulate them. Give and be willing to receive. God gives so that you have something to give to others. Sow seeds for a harvest of righteousness.
Remember, my obedience to God reflects the obedience of His own Son, Jesus Christ. I did nothing out of selfish ambition but obeyed God for a greater purpose.
     “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:5-8).

     He made himself nothing by not allowing others to make Him their earthly king because they wanted deliverance from the hands of the Romans. He did not ask the Father to save Him from going to the cross. He knew it was why He came. Obedience is motivated by love. There is no greater love! This truth is revealed in Jesus words, “I will not speak with you much longer (speaking to his disciples), for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what My Father has commanded Me” (John 14:30-31).
     Jesus told the Pharisees, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does. Yes, to your amazement He will show Him even greater things than these” (John 5:19-20).
     God shows you what to do in life––in good and bad times. You have to know Him for yourself. Haman had no hold on me; God did. Mordecai’s initial reaction was fear, but once I sent word back by Hathach, he was at ease. He understood that God had chosen me as a vessel to save His people. I am so thankful to Him for using me. There is nothing that means more to me in life.
     He has chosen all of you for something that will benefit others far greater than you can imagine. There are always people who need to taste and see that He is good. There are those who need to hear about what He has taught you so that they can experience true freedom from whatever keeps them from surrendering to His will. They might need to hear that He came to earth as a living, holy sacrifice for sinful man.
     Such a great cloud of witnesses surrounds you. I am one of them. Consider the need for social justice today. The woman called for such a time as this is open to God’s leading to positions of influence, power and where He needs her to make a great impact for kingdom gain. She knows how to walk alone. She does not allow promotions to keep her from doing her Father’s business. She understands that it is not about her, but “The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed” (Psalm 103:6). She has this purpose in mind. She looks beyond where she is currently to see her role in paving the way for the next generation. She understands that systems are failing: education, law and justice, and the family institution. She is concerned with issues like the young dying to violence, premarital sexual relationships, the rise in domestic violence and many other social ills.
     So many women of all races, ages and backgrounds have been encouraged by how God used me for a great purpose. They say I was pretty and smart, powerful and strategically positioned to be abundantly blessed. Some say, I was positioned for greatness. This was God’s doing; He gave me favor, which I did not deserve. I, even, love my man. I am grateful for everything! I would sometimes be overwhelmed that God used me for such a time as this!
     As you encounter girls and women who want to know about our loving and awesome God, tell them about Vashti, me, and the courageous women who followed. Pray for their hearts to be open to the things of God. Teach them to emulate us and those women who are living transformed lives. We considered a greater purpose.
     To God be the glory!

Reflection

1. Respond to Esther’s letter. What thoughts come to mind?
   
2. What questions or concerns do you have about being used by God for his purposes? Is there anything or anyone holding you back?
   
3. How has God called you “for such a time as this?”What is your response?
   
4. Who are some of those “great cloud of witnesses” surrounding you?
   
5. Consider writing your own story of courage. What might be the title?
   

Prayer
Lord, I yearn to live in the greater purposes of God. If there is anything holding me back from experiencing the fullness of your love and grace, please set me free from all hindrances. You are my King, Redeemer and Lord of Lords! There is none like you. I desire your will for my life. I’m open to the guidance of your Holy Spirit leading me in the path of righteousness for your namesake. Help me to be sensitive to other women who live beyond mere lip service and status quo but live in the greater purposes of God. Help me to understand, encourage, help and pray for them. Keep me from any spirits of competition, comparison and jealousy. Help me to courageously tell my own story and to be a witness to others of your greatness, faithfulness and love. In your mighty name I pray. AMEN




Excerpt from Consider a Greater Purpose, Vashti, Esther and the Courageous Women Who Followed.

     Several years ago while attending a Black Arts and Cultural Center Festival in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where I live, the above wall hanging caught my attention. I kept looking at it because the metaphor of the potter's hand reminded me of my lifetime scripture, Isaiah 64:8 - "Yet, O LORD, you are our Father, we are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." My good friend and photographer Aaron Cantrell just happened to walk by while I was looking at it; he encouraged me to get me. I can't remember his words of wisdom but what he said made sense to me; so I purchased it.  In fact, I love it!
     I use it as a throw on my couch, instead of a wall hanging. Sometimes I cover myself with this beautiful piece of art as a prayer shawl or wrap myself in it when it's a little bit cool in my house. I'm reminded of being in God's hand, as he gently molds and makes me --- a work of his hands! Many songwriters, preachers and teachers speak or sing about the potter's hand.
     A thought of God's hand on me became clear during a time of transition after leaving my job at a major corporation and seeking God's will for the next chapter in life. He was aligning my will with his will. This metaphor of the potter and the clay was real. We have several examples of leaders in the bible who knew the hand of God was working in, on and through them. God accomplished His will through them. A couple leaders come to mind like Nehemiah, the cupbearer, who led the people to build the walls of Jerusalem after the exile; and Esther, the queen, positioned for "such a time as this" to save the Israelites from genocide. God's hand is molding and making us today. He uses this process throughout our life. 
     Recently I became curious about the artist Alan Hicks and Mold Me, Make Me. This is what I learned, "it depicts a distressed African American woman who has decided to let go and let God. She understands that the Heavenly Father is molding her for what lies ahead. This work of art was inspired by Isaiah 64:8 (quoted)." How applicable to God's callings in my own life! I've experienced this - more than a few times.  Mold Me, Make Me is a depiction of my lifetime scripture although Hicks references Jeremiah 18:6, same metaphor. I only learned this two days ago. 
     On the website TwinHicks, it tells the story of Alan and Aaron Hicks. It says, "Whether or not Alan and Aaron paint an image together or single handedly produce another stroke of beauty, the results are always the same: they reveal an uncanny ability to achieve outstanding color and detail in every airbrushed image." The detail, depth and intensity shown in the face and posture of the African American woman in Mold Me, Make Me brings to my mind the "Oscar, Emmy and Tony" award winner American actress and producer Viola Davis! I experience the core of each character she plays in every movie I've seen her in. She internalizes her character. Can't you imagine Davis playing the role of this woman? She finally gets to the point where she falls before her Lord and cries out, "Lord, please mold me, make me. I don't want to be the person I am." She tried everything and now, she desperately needs God. Can you see Davis in this role? Can you imagine yourself in this role?  I can.
     The day before learning about the artist and his work, I attended a SheLeads ChurchTogether event hosted at Calvin Theological Seminary. One of the speakers gave a message on Cultivating Church Together: How Men Can Foster Cultures Where Women Thrive. He spoke about "groaning beauty" in the context of Romans 8:18-27,

Present Suffering and Future Glory
     I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

     We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

     In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

A Groaning Beauty
     I understand this "groaning beauty" as a time of suffering and frustration because things are the way they are, for instance, racism, sexism and more. I think about times when we're overlooked for a position, disrespected as a person, undermined by a colleague or reminded that we are not as "good" as others. What about the things people say to let you know you're in the wrong place or you're not wanted here? The whole creation groans as it waits for liberation from those things that are sinful, outright wrong and even evil - conscious or unconscious. The Holy Spirit groans with us.  He makes an intimate connection to keep us from losing hope, and he prays for us as we wait patiently as children of God.
     We hope for what doesn't exist in this world now because it is broken and we are too. It's a perpetual groan until Jesus Christ comes again! The beauty of this groan is that we don't fall into a pit of defeat, sorrow and hopelessness because this is not the will of God! We also grow deeper and deeper in our relationship with the Lord through the Spirit. There is a caution we need to be mindful of. Sometimes we are drawn deeper into what's wrong with the world instead of drawn deeper in our relationship with the Lord. It takes a discerning spirit and community to help us have the right balance.

​Mold Me, Make Me
     In this gathering at Calvin Seminary, I felt the Spirit of the living God fall fresh on me through the lament, speakers, panelists and moderator, and the closing liturgy. I cherish moments like this when the Holy Spirit falls fresh on us to help in our weaknesses. When we're tried, frustrated and overtakenalmost consumed by focusing on what's wrong with things in this world, the Spirit initiates a love connection in our pain. He lets us know that we're not alone. We have the Spirit and those in the body of Christ who understand our frustrations and are willing to work towards bringing about change and justice in a fallen world.  
     Mold Me, Make Me, depicts my "groaning beauty." Whether I'm groaning in my spirit or groaning in prayer, my desire is to trust God in all things. It isn't always easy, but it's comforting to know when I don't have words to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes on my behalf. This is - what he does for us. We pray for others and we should, but He works in our heart. He has a plan for our life and it requires molding and making us in his image. He has his hand on us.
     He calls us to recognize others who are groaning and to empathize with them. I have several examples of women I know who were groaning but didn't understand how the Spirit works to bring us out of places of defeat to places of healing. I have my own examples from the past of mature believers who loved me and they recognized my inner groaning. They understood the lifetime process of letting go and letting God. I didn't at the time.
     May we strongly desire Christ to reign in our life regardless of the ills of the world. I don't know what lies ahead, but God does. What we go through in the present is preparation for the future. It was the Spirit who led me to my Mold Me, Make Me throw. He knows and gives us what we need daily and for everyday of our life in this world.

Spirt of the Living God
​     Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me.  Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me. Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me. I want the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (on the inside) and the filling of the Holy Spirit (under his control). I want the character of Jesus Christ to be internalized in me and be like the tree planted by the streams of water bringing forth fruit in its season (Psalm 1). I want to let go and let God! I want to do his work in his way and in his strength; then this world will be a better place for me, others and the next generations.

     May the Spirit fall fresh on us. May the Spirit mold us, make us. May Christ reign in our life....



     www.twinhicks.com/meet-the-twins   to find Mold Me, Make Me and other products.