Esther Series | Day 2: Favor Follows a Teachable Spirit
"When the turn came for Esther (the young woman Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her. She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal residence in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the others. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti." Esther 2:15–17
Devotional
One detail in this passage is easy to overlook.
When Esther's turn came to appear before the king, she had the opportunity to choose what she would take with her. Yet Scripture tells us that she "asked for nothing other than what Hegai suggested."
Esther did not insist on her own way. She did not rely solely on her own judgment. Instead, she listened to the counsel of someone who understood the process better than she did.
This small decision reveals something significant about her character.
It reveals humility.
It reveals wisdom.
It reveals a teachable spirit.
What follows is just as noteworthy. Scripture tells us that Esther found favor with everyone who saw her. She found favor with Hegai. She found favor with those around her. She found favor with the king.
The passage certainly acknowledges Esther's beauty, yet the repeated emphasis is favor.
As I read this passage, I cannot help but notice that Esther's favor seems to accompany a posture of humility and teachability. She was willing to learn. She was willing to receive instruction. She was willing to trust wisdom beyond her own understanding.
Proverbs 13:10 reminds us, "Wisdom is found in those who take advice."
A teachable spirit is not weakness. It is a willingness to remain in the Potter's hands.
Scripture often describes God's people as clay and God as the Potter. Isaiah 64:8 says, "We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." Clay does not shape itself. It yields to the hands that are forming it.
In the same way, teachability requires humility. It is the posture that allows God to shape, refine, and mold us into who He created us to be.
Perhaps part of Esther's favor was found in this very posture. She did not arrive demanding her own way. She arrived willing to learn. Her willingness to receive instruction reveals a heart that was still being formed. Before God entrusted her with influence, He was shaping her character.
Many of us pray for favor, opportunities, and open doors. Yet God often develops the character needed to carry those things before they arrive. Sometimes that development happens when we choose to listen, learn, and receive wisdom from the people He has placed around us.
Esther reminds us that what makes a person stand out is not always what they possess. Sometimes it is their willingness to learn.
The people God uses are often the people He can still shape. A teachable spirit keeps us soft in the Potter's hands.
Reflection Questions
Is there an area of my life where I have been relying more on my own understanding than seeking godly wisdom?
Who has God placed in my life that may be offering wisdom, guidance, or perspective that I need to receive?
In what area of my life is God currently trying to shape, refine, or mold my character?
Grace Challenge
This week, identify one area where you need guidance and intentionally seek wise counsel.
Ask a trusted mentor, friend, pastor, or leader for insight. As you listen, resist the urge to defend your perspective or explain away their advice. Instead, practice receiving wisdom with humility and ask God to reveal what He may be teaching you through others.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the example of Esther's humility and teachability. Thank You that You are a loving Potter who continues to shape and form Your children according to Your purpose.
Help me to remain soft in Your hands. Guard me from pride, self-reliance, and the belief that I always know best. Give me the wisdom to recognize the people You have placed in my life to guide, encourage, and challenge me.
Teach me to listen well, receive counsel with humility, and trust the work You are doing within me. Shape my character before You expand my influence. Refine my heart before You open new doors.
May I become the person You are calling me to be, yielding to Your hands and trusting Your process.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
