Esther was about to risk her life and go before the king to beg for safety of the Jews.  She gave Mordecai orders on what to do first.  “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16)  Esther had the right attitude; stand up for what you know is right, pray diligently to God, and let whatever happens be His will.  Similarly, Paul said that our lives should be spent striving to serve and that if we are in Christ, dying is not the worst thing that can happen to us.  “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” (Philippians 1:21-24)

Today’s reading: Esther 1-5