Esther "Star"

Minister Yolanda Simmons Battle

Queen Esther

"...And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a 
time as this?" Esther 4:14

Queen Esther, a young woman, who possessed great beauty and displayed courage and great faith in God and love of her people.

In the Persian culture, the name Esther, means “star”. I like the Persian definition of Esther, because I believe that Esther’s life resembled that of a star. Merriam-Webster’s definition of a star is “a natural luminous body visible in the sky especially at night”. Esther was a naturally luminous human, not only physically, but her character shone bright and it was visible to all she touched. 

I became enamored with Esther at a very young age. The book was easier for me to read and to grasp. I began to understand God and what I mean to Him. I have read the book of Esther many times through the years and I always gain a new perspective and a strong conviction on where my faith walk is. 

Esther didn’t know what to expect when she joined the pageantry of becoming King Xerxes new queen. She listened to her adopted father Mordecai, she participated in all the exercises that were required of the young women and the King chose her because of her great beauty. But God had a bigger purpose for her to be in the King’s palace. Because of her faith in God, she did something that was not normally accepted nor tolerated. Queen Esther did not know if going to the King unannounced would get her punished, but she knew, no matter what her fate would be, she had to try to save her people, the Jewish people. 

How many times has God called you to stand in the gap for someone and you shrieked away? How many times were you placed in a position to help your sister and you were afraid that if you did, your reputation may be damaged or you would lose your position of authority? 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” We can’t shy away from our God-given assignments. We have the power, the love and the sane mind to carry out our purpose in life. There is someone waiting for you to fulfill your assignment so that it will help them! 

Although God’s name is never mentioned in the book, His presence is quite visible. We must live out God’s Word, trust that He will ALWAYS provide. Just as Esther prayed and fasted before going before King Xerxes with her request, she did not forget her foundation and she put her faith into action. We must always go to God first before any decision is made or any action is taken. Surrounding ourselves with other believers who will actively pray and fast with and for us and then trusting God with the rest is the formula for success! Esther didn’t take it in her own hands to try to get rid of Haggai because of his evil plot to kill all the Jews, she put it not in man’s hands, but in God’s hands. 

When we go to God first, He will beat us there and ensure that the enemy’s plans will always be defeated. 

Bible References: Esther 1-10

MINISTER YOLANDA SIMMONS BATTLE, CMP

Yolanda Simmons Battle was born and raised a Chi-town girl as the only child to wonderful parents. She was raised to desire to learn more, to love people and enjoy life more abundantly. She is married to Gerald Battle and the proud mother of three children, Amber, Chrishon and Laila. 

Yolanda holds a B.A. in Psychology from Roosevelt University and is a Certified Meeting Professional. 

She received her license into ministry in May 2017. She currently serves as the Director of the Executive Team, a member of the Intercessor Prayer Team at Purposed Church, under Rev. LeAundre and Prophetess Patricia Hill, Pastors. It is her desire to continue to read, to study and to have a more intimate relationship with the Triune God and to help spread and share His instruction to His children for work in the Kingdom.

© 2017 by Yolanda Simmons Battle. All Rights Reserved.