A group of us gals dined at one of the best Spanish tapas restaurants I've ever visited. It had a wonderful authentic atmosphere, and we all sat at a cozy table.
We selected entrees to share, and then out of nowhere comes a waiter with a bold and beautiful maroon red sangria for one of the ladies in our party.
Almost in unison, all hands raised, "I'll have what she's having!" echoed 'round the table!
Our eyes didn't leave the beautiful presentation of this drink from his hand to her place at the table. And surely enough, it was absolutely refreshing, complimented with delicious orange slices, succulent apples, zesty lemons and bold, exotic flavor.
In the years I've been a Christian, I've built many friendships. I've shared with countless ladies my love and heart for Christ and His mission. Some women have become life-long friends, and others have moved on.
But every now and then, I've come across a woman of God that has embodied grace, truth, conviction, love, and a devotion to God that begged my question, "Sister, where did you come from? And can I get what you have!"
These women remind me of Queen Esther. If you remember her story, she's a young Hebrew girl, who gets opportunity to go before the King who is choosing a new bride. Esther 2:15 recounts:
When it was Esther's turn to go to the king (Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had adopted her as his daughter), she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king's eunuch in charge of the harem, had recommended. Esther, just as she was, won the admiration of everyone who saw her.
She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal palace in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of the king's reign. The king fell in love with Esther far more than with any of his other women or any of the other virgins—he was totally smitten by her. He placed a royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.
Then the king gave a great banquet for all his nobles and officials—"Esther's Banquet." He proclaimed a holiday for all the provinces and handed out gifts with royal generosity. (The Message)
Oh, how the women who were presented before the King must have wondered what Esther had to win the King's heart. And how many of them wanted whatever it was! I believe Esther possessed a beautifully gentle and humble spirit that God could use to save many lives.
In our day and age, gentle and humble aren't necessarily the words I would use to begin to describe myself. Oh sure, I've worked on it. The bible calls us to be women of a quiet and gentle spirit.
But, I'm still workin' on it, and feel like I may just be workin' on it til the day I move on to glory. The Lord knows I haven't arrived right now. But, the heart of Esther gives me renewed inspiration to dig deep daily in my relationship with God. To talk to him more and more as David did throughout the Psalms.
"My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.
when can I go and meet with God?"
Psalm 42:2
I truly believe this authentic heart for God is why David was known as a man after God's own heart.
Even men with David noticed something about him that was powerful. David held nothing back. He cried, he reasoned, he wailed, he laughed, and his heart lept all throughout the psalms in his relationship with God. David was real in his relationship with God.
I don't think Esther wanted to be 'noticed,' neither did the women who made such a powerful impact on me because they embodied such inspiring characteristics.
It appears they truly walked their faith, and the Light 'within' was ever present 'without.'
Taking my relationship deeper means desiring to be in His presence more and more as the days go by, sharing my deepest feelings with God, and asking him to radiate through me to others in this world. It means choosing each day to take time to build our relationship through the study of His Word and through prayer.
Esther radiated God in her character and heart. So, too, must I, as I strive to let Christ live through me.
Yes, I concur: I'll Have What She's Having!
I'll have what the rare women of God possess in full measure: a supernatural walk with God lived out through a deep and meaningful relationship with Him everyday. While most of us haven't arrived, it's great to partner with and support women ever-striving to attain the goal. As we strive daily, these words of wisdom will ring so true:
...she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
those who lay hold of her will be blessed. (Proverbs 3:14)
