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God of Grace ~ Hymn 307

By: Alan Harvey

Posted: November 16, 2019

Category: Daily Devotional

Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal

Ester 4:14

It seems that the Jewess, Esther, was caught between a rock and a hard place. If she speaks up, she could quickly fall out of favor with the king of Persia. Granted, she did speak up that God would be on her side so that she would not be brought to disfavor with the king and suffering. If she did not speak up, she could be subjecting her people, the Jews to persecution. Yes, Esther was faced with making decisions that could greatly affect her life and the lives of the Jews.

In Esther 4:14 we read:

For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.

Mordecai, Esther’s adoptive father, gave her this counsel as she decided what she must do.

This story is alluded to in the great hymn of the Church, God of Grace and God of Glory. In the second stanza we read,

Lo! The hosts of evil round us scorn they Christ assail His ways! From the fears that long have bound us, free our hearts to faith and praise; Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days, for the living of these days.

Esther was certainly in need of wisdom and courage as she faced making her decision.

Prayer

Almighty God, grant us wisdom and grant us courage when we are faced with making great decisions. Remind us always to look first to You for guidance. Help us remember that when You are for us that we have no one else to fear. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.