Perseverance in Parenting

 

 

Esther is a hero and rightly so. We can glean so much from her life, experience, and faithfulness to her calling. Yet today I want to focus on the unsung hero of the book of Esther, Mordecai. Though not her parent, per say, he was her guardian and he took that charge seriously. If we have foster kids, adopted children, or children of our own, it is no small task. Sometimes our past, our fears, and our insecurities can get in the way—but they don't have to. The Lord has equipped us with all that we need to parent those in our care and looking at the life of Mordecai can help us know how to do that. 

The most quoted text from the book of Esther is:

Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this. Esther 4:14

Though spoken to Esther who needed the courage, strength, and wisdom to take this advice, Mordecai needed to be strong in order to give such advice. 

Older men and women do not just become wise and strong in the Lord. This is developed. Plenty of men and women go their entire lives with little to no growth. I pray that is never the case for me or any of the members of my family. Yet it happens. The growth comes from a daily walk with the Lord— from making right choices when the temptations come and allowing the Lord to see us through them as stated in the Lord's prayer. 

Mordecai took his responsibility seriously. He never gave up and was a faithful guardian throughout even the most challenging times. We can learn so much from his example. 

When a decree from the king came to find a new wife this was outside of everyone's control. Mordecai and Esther could not control the situation, but they could control how they would react. Mordecai was ready and prepared to give Esther advice before she was taken from her home and brought to the king. He told her not reveal her ethnicity or her family background. He was wise in giving her this advice and she was wise to listen. She did eventually share these facts at the right time, with Mordecai's guidance. They tread the situation carefully and this was done primarily because they had built up a relationship based on trust. 

My prayer is that I can build a similar relationship with my children—on trust, so when the hard decisions come, they will trust what I say, not only for major life decisions but ultimately with their relationship with the Lord. 

Once Esther was in the king's palace, Mordecai did not give up on his faithfulness to care for Esther. He stayed by the gate, visiting every single day. That is dedication. 

While he was faithful doing daily what he felt to do for Esther, he overheard an evil plot. This is what eventually protected Esther and the entire Jewish people. Mordecai was the one that informed Esther of Haman's plot to kill the Jews. Mordecai was the one who asked Esther to go before the king and plead for their lives. 

I love reading this interaction because it shows us how Esther and Mordecai were able to trust each other, come up with wise plans such as fasting, and ultimately their lives, and the lives of the Jewish people were spared. 

As parents, we can learn so much from this relationship and if you feel like you missed it along the way and that relationship is broken, there is hope. God can give us wisdom on how to reach our child's heart and He promises to give wisdom to those who ask. Now, next time you read the book of Esther, remember the sacrifices and strength of Mordecai and be sure to draw from his example—I know that I do!