Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

“May you wait for God’s timing.”
― Lailah Gifty Akita, Pearls of Wisdom: Great mind

“The enemy knows God has a purpose and plan for your life. The enemy is the one who wants you to give up.”
― Linda Evans Shepherd, Praying through Hard Times: Finding Strength in God's Presence

“Esther stepped into the gardens one last time and gazed at the pink hues of dawn with the billowy white clouds. Thank You. She knew that somehow God saw. He understood her emotions, and He had placed her in the king's life for a reason. She searched the heavens, but there was no answer to be drawn there. If God still spoke as He had long ago, she did not hear Him. No prophet had spoken during their exile, though she had heard tales of Daniel and Ezra, who seemed to have God's ear.
Do You see me? For her, a mere woman, to expect an answer seemed futile. And yet, had not God spoken to Rebekah and Deborah and others of long ago? Could He not speak to her before she entered into marriage with a pagan, uncircumcised king?
She waited, listening. A slight breeze kissed her cheeks and birds twittered their greeting as she at last moved back into her rooms, where her maids frantically accosted her.”
― Jill Eileen Smith, Star of Persia:

“She rose and bathed, and Parisa helped her to dress in her royal robes. Shirin pulled her hair into a style reminiscent of her first night with the king. Mahin covered her glowing black tresses with a colorful veil. Hettie placed the royal crown on her head and a ring on her finger. Rosana tucked jeweled sandals on her feet. And Jazmin spritzed the faint scent of lavender over her clothes.
Peace settled over Esther as Zareen held the golden mirror before her. She was ready. As ready as she was going to be. Olive oil moistened her lips, lest she appear as though she had been in mourning. The king must not know that yet.
"Shall we go with you?" Parisa asked, concern etched in her gaze. None of them looked at peace- not like the peace that Esther felt- but none of them had prayed as Esther had prayed, at least not with the knowledge she had. How could they? They had no idea what trials her people had been through. They did not know the history of the Jews had with Haman's people or how the Amalekites had attacked them when they were vulnerable on their journey out of Egypt. Hostility had existed between the Amalekites and the Israelites ever since.
She looked at each one, cupped each dear cheek. "You have been a blessing to me to attempt what I did not think I could ever do." She drew in a breath. "If I do not return, please know that I could have chosen no better maids. But do not mourn for me. Mourn for my people, and do what you can to tell your family and friends that we are not your enemies. Perhaps you will make a difference in my place.”
― Jill Eileen Smith, Star of Persia:

“Cries of joy rose in the city as copies of the decree were fastened to the walls of the king's gate and at prominent places throughout the capital.
Esther stood near, watching the frantic work. Awe that God had used her for this moment caused joy to rise up within her. When she heard the singing and laughter of the people outside, she wanted to weep and dance at the same time.
Was this why You placed me here, Adonai? She had always wondered what possible reason there could have been for her to be so chosen. Surely other women were more beautiful than she. Surely other women had captured Xerxes' heart. With a Persian wife in Amestris who had given him sons, there had been no need for him to seek another wife. Even if he missed Vashti, it wasn't like he needed more.
And yet here she stood, watching her father, second in command to the throne, write letters to every satrap, governor, high officer, and noble in all 127 provinces of her husband's kingdom. All because God saw fit to use her.
Her. Hadassah.
Her face heated with the humbling thought. How unworthy she felt, yet how blessed.”
― Jill Eileen Smith, Star of Persia: