VASHTI MUST STEP ASIDE

Over the past week, I have been reflecting on a specific aspect of the story of Esther’s rise to becoming queen of a great kingdom. In Esther 1:10–12, King Ahasuerus commanded seven chamberlains to summon Queen Vashti so he could showcase her beauty to the princes at his banquet. Vashti refused to come, and the king became furious. As a result, he decided to replace her with another maiden. This chain of events led to Esther, a young Jewish girl, becoming the wife of a powerful and influential king. While this story ultimately highlights Esther’s elevation, our focus here is on Vashti—who lost her crown because of disobedience. But pause for a moment: if Vashti had not refused the king’s command, Esther would never have become queen, and the fate of the Jewish people might have been jeopardized in the long run. Vashti represents anything—or anyone—that must move out of the way for your star to shine. It could be a mindset, fear, unforgiveness, wrong associations, an unhealthy work schedule, or even an ex-lover, among many others. You may wonder how these things can hinder your advancement. Let me illustrate with an example. You may desire a new job, but fear holds you back—the fear of rejection, inadequacy, or failure. That fear is your Vashti, standing in the way of your next level. You may be trusting God for a spouse, yet your fixed idea of the “ideal partner” keeps interfering with God’s direction, delaying the path He has prepared for you. Esther’s marriage to the king was not merely because of her beauty, but because God had a purpose for that union. In the same way, God has a purpose for every season and position in our lives—but we must also discern when we are no longer in our God-ordained place. It may surprise you to know that there are “Vashtis” in our lives that must step aside before we can truly move forward. I pray that everything representing Vashti in our lives gives way, in Jesus’ name, amen. So how do we push Vashti aside? Honestly, it can only be through prayer. As we seek God’s face, He will go before us just as He did for Esther, dethroning Vashti to our advantage. The Lord will go before us and make every crooked path straight. He will give His angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways, and they will bear us up lest we dash our feet against a stone. He is the God who raises the poor from the dust and sets them among princes. Brethren in Christ, I prophesy over each one of us: whatever represents Vashti and must step aside for our star to shine brighter—let it give way now, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen!