Prepare To Be Tested

If the king is so inclined, let a royal edict go forth from him, and let it be written in the laws of Persia and Media that cannot be repealed, that Vashti may not come into the presence of King Ahasuerus, and let the king convey her royalty to another who is more deserving than she. Esther 1:19 NLT

This action by king Xerxes cleared the way for Esther to replace Vashti as king. She would later use her position of influence to subvert Haman's plan for genocide of the Jews in Persia.

God sets the stage here for the action to follow. Sometimes there is a long lead time between God setting the stage and the main action. The wheels to get Esther in her throne preceded even Haman's plan. It is like having an anti-aircraft gun in place before the aircraft have been invented.

Doubtless in God's providence he uses a number of events chained together to get us in just the right position for His plan. This can take a lot of time, or at least a lot to us. It is then that our impatience shows and our faith wavers.

This time passing by is a test, one that Abraham passed. "And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb." Romans 4:19. May we pass the test and be in the action.
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