“When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, went out into the midst of the city, and cried out with a loud and bitter cry…
“Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square,.. and Mordecai told him all that had happened, and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king’s treasuries for the destruction of the Jews. Mordecai also gave him a copy of the decree issued for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther and explain it and command her… to beg [the king‘s] favor and plead on behalf of her people… Then Esther commanded [Hathach] to go to Mordecai and say,.. ‘If any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter. As for me, I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.’
“They told Mordecai what Esther had said. Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, ‘Do not think that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than the other Jews. If you keep silent, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?’ Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, ‘Go, gather all the Jews in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf… for three days. I and my young women will also fast. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.’
“On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, in front of [his] quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace. When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.” Esther 4:1,6-8,10-16; 5:1-2
Hands wringing in stunned fear. Hands clenched in fisted anger. Hands presenting a decree of impending destruction. Hands appealing in desperation. Hands lifted in surrendered prayer, clinging to the invisible Divine. All these hands moved the hand of God, and God moved the hand of the pompous king. The worldly regent opened his hands in welcome, and held out the scepter of favor. Only God could so move and provide.
We determine through our days how we receive what is handed to us. We may try to maneuver and manipulate, yet find ourselves chapped at self-affected results. The Almighty orchestrates circumstances to get ahold of all of us, offering His help accessed by raised hands.
In what situations are we tenaciously clenching for control, resisting His gentle hands that would open and enfold ours? How might we move the hand of God in mighty ways through bold prayer, so He receives all the glory?
Lord, cause me to lift my hands in believing prayer, grip Your hand in every dilemma, and trust Your hand to work Your favor and will.
As the rain and snow 