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DARE TO BE "AN ESTHER"
by Daniel Dela Dunoo When some have said, "men are the head of the family", others have been quick to add, "women are the neck". The latter is said to suggest that whereas husbands are principally the leaders of the home, wives are the influencers; where the neck turns, the head turns. This makes for an interesting discussion. Whether or not this is an accurate picture is not the issue. However, we see Eve influence Adam to eat the forbidden fruit against the explicitly stated will of God (Genesis 3:1-7, 12). Of cause the entire human race have had to suffer the consequence ever since (Genesis 3:16-19). Also worth-noting is the drama that unfolded between Samson and Delilah. Samson, a judge for Israel and one anointed specially of God with a divine mandate was influenced, howbeit slowly by Delilah his wife to disclose a closely guarded secret which eventually led to his capture, humiliation and demise (Judges 16:1-30). There are scores of other women who influenced their husbands into pursuing wrong causes such as the idolatrous wives of King Solomon, Jezebel the wife of King Ahab and many others. These scenarios are not limited to Bible times only. Perhaps they are rifer in this day and age. Admittedly, the Bible recognizes the godly influence of women too, some of which includes Queen Esther. Esther was a young Jewish girl of humble beginnings who eventually became queen of Persia, the wife of the ruler of the most powerful nation in the then known world. At the peril of her life, she dared to be a positive influence in her husband`s life. Through Esther`s influence, King Xerxes her husband made decrees that eventually ensured the preservation of the Jewish race from which the promised Messiah was to emerge (Esther 8:1-17). We read of this remarkable story, a story of epic proportions in the book of Esther - a book named after her in the Bible. How better can it be? It is quite abundantly clear by now that women possess a latent ability to influence their husbands either positively or negatively. Owing to the influence a wife can exert on her husband, the example of Esther comes as exemplary, in sharp contrast to that of Eve, Delilah, Jezebel and the likes. In this day and age, some husbands have been influenced by some wives to make decisions and embark on certain causes that are in some cases irreversible and are of regrettable consequences. My heartfelt plea is that, if ever you will be an influence on your husband, and for that matter any man, dare to be a positive influence. It should be possible, many years later, upon retrospection to trace the good that has been accomplished and the lives that have been positively impacted as a direct result of the positive influence you exerted upon your husband and many other men who came into your sphere of contact. Suffice to state that, some husbands may be stubbornly headed in the wrong direction, your efforts notwithstanding. As a Christian wife, you have an added advantage. Apart from the natural female trait as influencers, you have a supernatural resource. As E. M. Bounds, the famed Bible teacher once noted, "prayer is far-reaching in its influence" Even as Esther embarked on a three day fast from food and obviously spent time in prayer, you can do likewise. You may on occasion call on a few trusted believers to join hands with you in prayer. Woman, dare to be "an Esther". Yes you can (Philippians 4:13). I am a writer, editor, blogger & published author. I write from a Judeo-Christian worldview. Email: [email protected]. Blog: http://danieldeladunoo.blogspot.com / http:theroyalwordsmithgh.wordpress.com Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |