Mary, Jesus' Mother

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19 KJV

Mary thought about special things that people said about Jesus, her first born son. I think the reason was to strengthen and encourage her for the experience of seeing her beloved son dying on the cross.

I always liked this verse and I have a notebook with it written on the first page. This book is filled with things people have said about my children, Jaiden and Angel over the years. Things such as "he is so observant for a two month old", "she never stops smiling" and "they are both so mellow". It is special to look back on what others have observed about my babies. I think the memories will strengthen me and make me happy when they are old enough to be out in the world for themselves.

I think I should do the same with stories about how God has done great things for me. Then, in times of hardship I can read back on these and know, with faith, that God will bring me through one more time.

I'd love to hear your latest "God story"...

Esther

"I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:16

Taken from her relatives as a teenager, Esther was expected to beautify herself to attract King Xerxes who was looking for a virgin to become his new queen. This may not have been what Esther wanted, but God had made her to have great beauty and the king did choose her. This opened the opportunity for her to save the Jewish nation; she asked King Xerxes to revoke his edict to kill all the Jewish people. She found favor in his eyes and he granted her request.

This may sound like a simple story, but the truth is that, in those days, you didn't just go up to the king and ask him to do something. Doing such a thing was worthy of death. God used Esther's beauty and grace to affect the king's feelings toward her.

Esther was willing to die to protect God's people. What is it that I am willing to die for or do for God? Am I willing to say, like Esther, "if I perish, I perish."? I need to study God's word more so I'm prepared to stand up for Him when He calls me.