FEATURE ARTICLE
enlarge our territory and prepare us for greater influence.
SEASONS of SEPARATION/SOLITUDE - Though separated from family, friends and familiar surroundings, Esther gleaned the treasures of her seasons of solitude. These times of being “set apart” provide opportunities to hear clearly from God without distractions. As leaders, we must also learn the discipline of pulling away from the crowd and standing alone, especially at times of important decision-making.
SEASONS of MENTORING - Esther’s mentorship began with Mordecai. There she learned obedience, submission to wise counsel, and developed a teachable spirit (Esther 2: 20). This is what ushered Esther into her destiny. She was open to being mentored throughout her journey, which opened doors of opportunity that ushered her into her destiny.
SEASONS of LOSS - Esther experienced a series of losses, beginning with the loss of both parents (Esther 2: 7). At times God removes people and things from our lives in order to propel us into our destiny. Loss teaches us that there’s life after everything. In our times of loss we grieve, heal and move on. We receive grace to let go of people, places and things. Loss can also propel us into greater intimacy with God as we experience His great comfort. Esther had to let go of her past, in order to embrace the future.
SEASONS OF NURTURING - After the death of her parents, Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai where she learned security, trust, obedience and identity imprint, which prepared her to navigate successfully through the ongoing seasons of preparation.
SEASONS of TRANSITION - As an orphan, Esther transitioned from her parent’s home to Mordecai’s, and later to the King’s House of Preparation (Esther 2:8). She transitioned again to the house of the King’s eunuch (Esther 2:14), until divinely positioned for a unique assignment in the royal palace (Esther 2:16). Regardless of one’s age or circumstance, transition can be unsettling and uncomfortable. Growing through transition, however, was a necessity for Esther throughout her journey, and for us as well. Transition produces adaptability, flexibility, and “shift-ability.” It forces us out of our comfort zone. How much time do we waste being stuck in a comfortable space when God is trying to shift us into something greater? Successful transitions expand us, broaden our mindset and worldview,
Even in our time, God calls us to mentor others. Minister Deborah as a mentor to these young women of Uganda.
SEASONS of CLEANSING and HEALING - Myrrh was applied to Esther for six months, for healing and removal of wounds and scars (Esther 2: 12). This season of preparation is crucial if we are