Women Champions - 10

Champions are definitely well-developed communicators. They have learned when to speak and when not to speak. They have learned that words carry power. Esther knew that some things should remain quiet and hidden until needed or necessary. Trusting her uncle's judgment, she did not reveal her heritage.

In our own lives, in trusting the Holy Spirit, we learn what to say and when to say it. Mordecai was to Esther like the Holy Spirit is to us. He was her confidant, advocate, and friend. Esther could trust him to lead her in the right direction and to give her wise counsel. Women champions learn to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit as He teaches them to communicate.

Esther never asked for anything more than what the King's eunuch suggested. She was wise to yield to someone who knew the King well. Learning to walk like a champion requires each of us to listen to those who have served our King, our Lord Jesus, longer than us. They have learned His likes and dislikes. They know what clothing to wear, what manners to demonstrate, what ethics to follow, and what heartfelt participation to give. Esther knew the eunuch wanted her to do well!

There are many wonderful people in the Body of Christ who can encourage us, teach us, and help us develop as champions as well. We just need to ask questions and listen to the answers. We must learn the "ministry talk" as Esther learned the "palace talk".

Over the years of preparation for ministry, I have had many moments of success and many others not so successful. In each situation, I had a choice to make: either I allow the situation to mature me in the Lord, or I allow the devil to destroy me with depression or pride. Please remember, Satan never plays fair. When God is developing us into His champions of faith and courage, we must learn to roll with the punches and press through the barriers. Esther had her challenges to face, but her attitude would decide whether she would win or fail.

Maybe you could share with me one of your experiences where you had a choice to mature or be destroyed, and tell us the outcome of that choice. I would LOVE to hear from you today!

Women Champions - 9

Champions often end up in a season of preparation like no other. Esther sat for six months over a charcoal fire in a pit on the floor! Fragrant oils like sandalwood, myrrh, cloves, or rose would be put into the cosmetic burner. With all her clothes off, she crouched over the burner with a robe draped over her head and body to create a tent. She was in a literal steam room, perspiring and smelling all those fragrances. She had those fragrances "cooked" into her skin through the hot steam.

Have you noticed this.....that preparation for championship often sends us to the "sweatshop?" Have you ever found yourself in a "hot" situation only to discover what comes out of your pores is not the sweet fragrance of the Lord? I have found that we end up back in the "sweatshop" until our "flavor" (words and attitude) smells sweet?

Maybe you'd like to share with us one of your "sweatshop" experiences where God brought you out of a "stinky" situation smelling like a championship rose!