17 days and still praying

 

“Then Mordecai told them to return this answer to Esther, Do not flatter yourself that you shall escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?” ~ Esther 4:13-14 Amp  (my emphasis)

Yes, I’m still praying for the 2012 elections. And I want to continue to encourage everyone to pray and fast, and then vote.

In a recent post for CrossRiver Media Catherine Ulrich Brakefield said it so well that I must have you turn there before I add my two cents (Click on her name but be sure to come back when you’re done; I have more to say on the subject.)

Now that you’re back…

Last weekend, I spoke at a Fall Women’s Retreat. The theme of the weekend was “What’s in your bag,” so I opened my presentation talking about “purse-onalities.” It morphed into “personalities” as the weekend progressed.

Esther was the scriptural focus. We determined, to the best of our knowledge, that she was a melancholic, amiable, golden retriever type—fundamentally an introvert, loyal, thoughtful, enjoys routine, avoids confrontation, peacemaker, easy-going—who was drawn out of her comfort zone for God’s purpose and His glory.

Before she took the necessary steps, which for her could mean death, she requested of Mordecai and all the Jews in the land to fast for her.

For some people, praying, let alone, fasting is out of their comfort zone, but “if you keep silent at this time, you and your household may perish.” Who knows, maybe you have been placed where you are “for such a time as this and for this very occasion.”

Now, consider the words of this wonderful pillar among God’s messengers:

 (The text reads) “The legacy we leave behind for our children, grandchildren and this great nation is crucial. As I approach my 94th birthday, I realize this election could be my last. I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel. I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman.” ~ Billy Graham

Please pray and, if you might, fast for the United States of America

and the decisions made at the November 6, 2012 elections

"for such a time as this."