JUDY W. HOWARD

  March has been designated as Women’s History Month, so I wanted to take a brief moment to look back at a woman from whom we can learn.

This woman is featured in the Bible as a woman who, because of her unselfishness and her trust in God, was able to save herself, her family and her nation from disaster.

Taking a look at some of the attributes that made her successful will enable the 21^st century woman to be all that she can be – fearless, wise, knowledgeable and commanding respect.  This speaks of knowing your identity.

A Christian woman must know her true identity. There is absolutely no room for inferiority, self-doubt or timidity.

In the Book of Esther, Chapter 7, Esther chose to make demands on her position as the wife of the king to overcome the threats made against her and her people. Despite the fact that possible death loomed ahead of her, Esther did not allow timidity to prevent her from taking a stand. She knew who she was! She was Queen! She was married to the king! Are you married to the King?  If you are, then you hold the position as the Bride of Christ, seated with Him in heavenly places.  This is your position.

As a result of her bold action to petition the king, the chapter tells us that Esther found favor in his sight. Christian women, having become on with Christ, know that you have found favor with Him and He will grant you any request you desire.  Remember His words, “It is my Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”  (Luke 12:32). King Ahasuerus promised Esther up to half of his kingdom; our King is more generous. One of my favorite Bible verses says this: “He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).

Women of God, your true identity lies in the knowledge that you have become a son of God.  Even as Mary carried the infant Son of God inside of her, we Christian women carry the Resurrected Son of God within us! The angel told Mary that the Holy Ghost would come upon her and overshadow her. This is the same Holy Ghost dwelling in us, who causes us to develop the character of the son of God. That’s our identity!  God still chooses women to bear His Son!

The second insight I glean from the story of Esther is the importance of knowing your rights and authority.

No other woman in the kingdom could have done what Esther did.  In her position as Queen she knew that she had the ear of the king. She knew that she had the right and the authority over the servants to command that a feast be prepared. Ladies, we too have been given rights, and we too must know what those rights are.

The Rights of a Christian Woman

We have the right to trample on scorpions - Luke 10:19 NIV (I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

The right to declare victory over all situations: sickness, disease, poverty, wrong doing.
The right to intercede for our nation, our families, or government - Esther did this.

Wisdom
It is interesting to observe how Esther handled the situation she was facing. She had to deal with a snake (named Haman) who stealthily hid his plan from the king. However, just like an eagle can see its prey afar off, Christian eagles must have discernment to be able to detect when someone means them harm.  It is important to listen to the Holy Spirit within and to follow His promptings when dealing with others. “Try the spirit” scriptures says.Esther’s Method of Combat
Instead of reacting on Haman’s level, Esther took her battle to the king. The snake was unearthed by the Eagle, was seized, and taken to a higher ground for total destruction. Our weapons today are not carnal, they are mighty! We do not fight on the enemy’s turf, we fight our battles from the Heavenlies.

To recap:

1. Christian women --  Christian eagles we do not fight the enemy in our own flesh, we must fight in our closets – in prayer.  Esther prayed first.
2. We must use the authority Christ has given us to pull down principalities and powers and then take our stand in confidence knowing that the battle has already been won in the spirit world. Be not afraid.
3. After we have prayed, we need to be sensitive to what the Lord would have us do. Use wisdom. Follow the Holy Spirit’s direction.

 Sometimes He might want us just to keep quiet; sometimes we might need to speak out; sometimes would ask us to perform a certain action; and sometimes we have to do nothing.
To wrap it up…
Esther’s identity gave her access to the king and caused her to find favor with the king.  Her position enabled her to use her rights to command attention and respect from friends and associates, and to exercise authority over enemies.
If Esther had chosen a different path and had accosted Haman, she might have ended up losing the battle. Instead, she used the wisdom that came after prayer and won the victory.

Women of God, I hope this message has encouraged you. Remember that eagles have snakes for dinner. Remember that, and go forward in Jesus’ name!
If this has blessed you, share it with others on your social pages.
God Bless.