When Physical Beauty Is Not Enough

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.  I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."
So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther's instructions.   Esther 4:15-17
Esther was a most beautiful and lovely young lady, but beyond that was her wisdom, maturity, and godliness. Her godly character is underscored by the fact that she heeded the godly counsel of her father. She recognized the need to listen to the counsel of her destiny helpers. She not only listened to and obeyed her father but, earlier on, we saw her also listening to the counsel of Hegai, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the beauty contest. She did exactly what Hegai recommended and she reaped the wonderful results of obedience.

Esther's "physical beauty" was instrumental in her being selected for the position of Queen, but she also knew that her beauty had limitations. As much as she desired to obey her father and approach the king at the risk of death, Esther knew that she needed more than physical beauty. She needed to be clothed in the "beauty of divine favor" as well. This prompted her to ask Mordecai to call upon the entire Jewish community to unite in fasting and prayer. She was determined to approach the king only after she had been upheld in fasting and prayer by all the people. Her natural beauty and royal connections as queen were simply not enough!

The truth is: As wonderful as our natural gifts and talents, as well as our socio-economic and political connections might be, they are woefully inadequate for the accomplishment of our divine destinies. We need the power and favor of God to succeed. Scripture in Zechariah 4:6 reminds us that it is not by might nor by power, but by the Spirit of God.

So, before you rush into the "presence of an earthly king," first spend time in fasting and prayer in the "Presence of the Heavenly King" who controls the heart of every earthly king. Sometimes, physical beauty" is just not enough. You need to be clothed in the beauty of divine favor as well.



Prayer: Father, I thank you for all the gifts, talents and abilities you have so graciously bestowed upon my life. Please help me to be dependent upon you rather than on those gifts and talents,  as I walk in my destiny. Amen.