Esther - not just a pretty face

When nearly 230+ ladies of all ages gathered together for the GBWA Day Conference on Saturday 20 November at Colchester, we quickly discovered that Esther certainly was not just a pretty face.

Session one

Ann Benton of Guildford took us deep into the life of Esther, describing in detail what life would have been like for Esther as she waited for a whole year in virtual imprisonment in the king's harem being beautified and physically perfected in order to 'please the king' whenever he demanded.

We heard about:

1. The man who had everything
but the best that earth can offer has its limitations.
2. The girl who lost everything
but the Bible claims her to be an agent not a victim.
3. The God who controls everything
God is not mentioned in the book of Esther, but he is at work and he is the author of the story.

This first session, taking us up to lunch, was for me by far the most challenging and informative talk.

During lunch, we had ample time to talk to friends old and new, browse over the bookstall and various other displays.

Session two

In this session, we were introduced to the villain of the piece. Haman, being an Amalakite, was a life-long enemy of the Jews, so he soon found an excuse to attempt to eliminate them. We compared the land of Susa to Great Britain today - dark days for the Christian, but we must keep in mind the big picture. God is working his purposes out. So:

1. Wake up and smell the coffee!
We can become so cosy in our churches that we avoid the Kingdom of God.
2. Don't sit on the fence!
Failure to get involved in God's work will be our loss.
3. Carpe Diem - seize the day!
It is no accident that we were born on a particular day. We are all in a unique situation to work for the Kingdom.

Session three

We then had a short break for a cuppa and cake and resumed for the final session when we discovered Esther in action, Haman getting the wrong idea. Being so proud and self-centred, he thinks he is the one to be rewarded. Then along comes Mordecai and we see a chapter of coincidences(?). the king can't sleep, he calls for a book, the book is read, how can this man be rewarded, Haman gets the wong idea and the reward he suggests is lavished on Mordecai and the gallows he built for Mordecai is used upon himself.

We learnt practical lessons for today:

• The serenity of faith and the stupidity of pride;
• We must stand and fight and remember the big picture - the victory is the Lord's.

We experienced a great time of fellowship with ladies of all ages and it was so encouraging to see that the younger element outnumbered the older age group.

We enjoyed each others company and discussed the challenges we were given.