For Reading and Meditation:
Esther 2:11-14
We made the point yesterday that Mordecai advised Esther not to reveal her Jewish identity because of a divinely given consciousness that both he and she were part of God's purposes for their age. Can you imagine, therefore, with what care and concern he must have conducted his daily vigil outside the palace gates? We read that day after day Mordecai appeared at the gate of the palace to inquire about Esther's condition and progress. There must have been many times when he thought to himself: How long can she keep her Jewish identity a secret? Will she, by some innocent remark, somehow let it slip? Mordecai's daily vigil went on not for a period of a few weeks, but for twelve months! This is a long time to await the outcome of any decision, and it says a good deal about the patience and persistence of Mordecai, who was undoubtedly sustained by the knowledge that God was quietly working out His perfect purposes. Am I talking today to someone who has been waiting for a long time to learn the outcome of an issue on which important matters are resting? Does it seem at times that God has forgotten the promise He made and has abandoned you? Ah, this is a problem that has confronted many of God's people down the ages. It puzzled the psalmist and it perplexed most of the prophets. Why does God appear to be so slow? Let me put it as plainly as I can - God does not work our way. His patience is something we can never truly grasp or comprehend. We must learn to have patience with the patience of God.
Heavenly Father, forgive me for my impatience with Your patience. Help me understand that with You things never get off course. You may be slow, but You are always sure. May I never lose my grip on that fact. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.