Embracing the Process: Lessons from Esther’s Journey

In Esther 2, we encounter a woman called to an extraordinary destiny, but not before undergoing a season of intense preparation. Esther's journey wasn’t instant; it required a process that built her character and refined her soul, preparing her to fulfill a unique role as queen/leader and intercessor for her people. Often, as women, we find ourselves on similar paths where God calls us to embrace a process of preparation that will transform us for our place of purpose and abundance.

The story of Esther reminds us that preparation is very important for the palace. Imagine if Esther hadn’t aligned with her purpose. What if she resisted the process or allowed fear and insecurity to hinder her? She probably would have missed her opportunity to become queen, and her destiny would have been altered by hesitation or unpreparedness.

The process isn’t always easy – God uses it to soften our rough edges, redirect our misplaced passions, and strengthens qualities like patience and resilience. This refinement equips us with the maturity and character essential to steward the purpose He’s preparing us for. Like Esther, we may need to let go of pride, embrace humility, or confront our deepest insecurities.

Esther spent a year undergoing beauty treatments, learning royal protocols, and nurturing a heart willing to serve. This was her season to prepare internally and externally, to be positioned for favor and victory.

But preparation requires intentionality. Esther aligned herself with wisdom and the grace of God which positioned her heart and mind to be receptive to her calling. In our own lives, intentional preparation means seeking God’s guidance and aligning with His Spirit, allowing Him to refine us. This process may bring to the surface areas we need to work on, which eventually will shape us into vessels capable of carrying the weight of our purpose.

In my book, The Pain of the Process, I delve into how life’s trials and seasons of waiting are often the very tools God uses to prepare us. As I share my own story of overcoming adversity and learning to trust God in the wilderness seasons, I’ve come to realize that God’s process, though painful, is designed to bring us into alignment with His purpose. The wilderness can be a place of testing, yet it’s also a place of profound growth and discovery, preparing us for the promises He has in store. The process may seem challenging, but it’s shaping us into women who can stand in our God-given place of abundance.

What if, like Esther, you miss this moment of preparation? What if we don’t allow ourselves to be shaped and molded? We might find ourselves unready for the palace experience, missing out on the favor, purpose, and opportunity God has waiting for us.

Let’s be like Esther, embracing our preparation season with faith and determination, knowing it’s God’s way of preparing us for greatness.