The key to Esther's success and transformation was not only her innate beauty. it was not just her inner essence, self-worth and confidence; the key to her success is found in her preparation.

For months she prepared.  Though Esther was... "lovely in form and features" .... She had "to complete twelve months of beauty treatments.  Esther 2:12

To find favor with the true King, to become enveloped by the mercy and love of God, we must continually return to the study and fellowship on His word. That much I learned

Yet the hero in Esther's story is Mordecai.  Mordecai took Esther, his orphaned niece, under his wings when Esther had no one to care for her.  Mordecai protected and nurtured Esther into adulthood; instilled in her good values and manners.  He put into her high dreams of greatness.   He cared for her, worried and waited outside the King's gates while Esther waited for the king; while she underwent beauty treatments.

Mordecai informed the king of a conspiracy against the throne.  Later, he pleaded with  the king, through Queen Esther to spare the lives of the Jews.  He rose to become the second most powerful person in the land, second only to King Xerxes.

Esther's story is a story of compassion, of love, of dedication, preparation and above all sacrifice, which led Esther, and by extension Mordecai, to find favor with the king.  When you do something for somebody else, when you get out of your "pew," out of your comfort zone, to be helpful to others; when you assume the cloak of righteousness of God, and take on his values and ways, nothing is impossible.  Dreams come true. That much I learned.

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