"Then the king held out to Esther the golden scepter.  So Esther arose and stood before the king.

And she said, If it pleases the king and if I have found favor in his sight and the thing seems right before the king and I am pleasing to his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king's provinces.

For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come upon my people?  Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?" (Esther 8:4-6)

Early this morning I awoke to the sound of Todd Bentley's CD Marinate which had been playing beside my bed all night.  As I lay in the dark, in the sweetness of God's presence, "The Esther Anointing" began to play.  I was just soaking in the music and scriptures as Todd prayed to be immersed in the oils and perfumes of God's presence so that he might find His favor when the Spirit asked me, "What is your request?"  Before my mind had time to think or respond, my spirit leapt within me and said, "Freedom for my people."

Suddenly my mind caught up with my heart and I realized the significance of my thoughts.  As I have talked with those I know, or listened to others, it is unmistakable that almost all have just been through the most difficult, yet most significant, two years of their lives.  Circumstances, though greatly varied, have brought each one to their weakest before their Lord and yet has also taken each to a revelation and new strength of His love and grace.  From the depths of despair and pain, the Body is beginning to arise to new heights of faith and love.  Just like Esther, we have been through an intense cleansing and purification.  Now, stirring up within our spirits is a deep cry of "Freedom" for those around us.

"Freedom" for the angry.  "Freedom" for the addicted.  "Freedom" for the weary.  "Freedom" for the abused.  "Freedom!"

Everywhere I look I see people bound by lies and deceptions - people who are stuck in mindsets and circumstances, hurt and dying.  But Jesus has given us the request of our hearts - the key to set the captives free:  "Only believe!"  If I believe in His goodness.  If I believe in His wisdom and power.  If I truly believe the Words which He has spoken, and is still speaking, these faith-ignited Words will reverse and redeem the captivity around me.

Have you also gone through a season of stripping away and cleansing?  Draw close to your Lord.  Draw close and soak in His love and faithfulness.  Let Him strengthen your heart with His.  Then go and proclaim the freedom which He has Himself purchased with His own life.  Proclaim it and believe it and watch as the world around you changes!

"...In the time of their suffering when they cried to You, You heard them from heaven, and according to Your abundant mercy You gave them deliverers, who saved them from their enemies." (Nehemiah 9:27b)

 

(Note:   Today, March 3, 2007, is Purim Eve.  The next two days mark when Esther went before her king to request the freedom of her people nearly 2500 years ago.)

Amy