I wrote about the first one back here
I wrote about the second back here
I wrote about the third one back here
Teatime Four: Strength and Steadfastness
What is strength? What is steadfastness?
As defined strength is the capacity of an object or substance to withstand great force or pressure.
Steadfastness is the quality of being resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.
Isaiah 40: 30-31
Even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those that wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
they run and don't get tired,
they walk and don't lag behind.
Life is so often weighted down by chaos,
taken over by uncertainty,
and wrought with challenges.
When we press on, when we're willing to embrace the unknown and follow with steadfastness the road God presents, we will be given the greatest gift: experiencing the beauty and grandeur of God.
The Biblical story of Ester:
Ester was a young Jewish woman. Their her intelligence and beauty she found favor with the king of Persia and became queen, all while keeping her Jewish identity a secret. But after learning of a pot to kill her people Ester courageously resolved to save them.
Ester 4:15-17
Then Ester said in reply to Mordecai, 'Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After that I will go to the kind, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.' Mordecai then went away and did everything as Ester had ordered him.
Ester was in a position and didn't need to take a stand and speak up. She could have stayed silent and safe, yet she risked it all and changed the fate of God's people.
This Bible story of Ester as a hero of strength and faith shows us how she used her charm and loyality - her influence and cleverness - to convince the king to allow her people to defend themselves.
Ester 7:1-4
So the king and Hamn went in to feast with Queen Ester. On the second day, as they were drinking wine, the king again said to Ester, 'What is your petition, Queen Ester? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.' Then Queen Ester answered, 'If I have won your favour, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me - that is my petition - and the lives of my people - that is my request.'
Ester's strength in the face of injustice, violence and even possible death saved her people.
Ester 8:16-17
For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor. In every province and in every city to which the edict of the king came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews with feasting and celebration.
She shed light on Haman's dark plan of destruction and in turn the king had him killed rather than allowing the Jewish people to suffer. Ester went forward knowing she could fail; she could parish just for asking.
Being steadfast in our daily life comes down to being faithful even when we could fail; even when our friends or strangers might judge us.
To experience the gifts of God's goodness, beauty, faithfulness, and generosity, we must remain strong and steadfast in the face of whatever storm, stress, and suffering comes our way.
Scripture is filled with encouragement and inspiration to satyr strong and steadfast despite the hardship, pain, and adversity we encounter in life.
Here are some verses about strength to return to in time of difficulty or doubt:
John 16:33
Exodus 15:2
Joshua 1:9
Isaiah 41:31
Isaiah 40:31
1 Corinthians 15:58
Today I served homemade blueberry jam filled scones paired with a Harney and Sons berry tea. We had a lunchtime teatime feast.
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