The power of Preparation

Read Esther 7.

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."  Proverbs 16:18

The moment for Queen Esther to make her appeal to the king had arrived.  But the impact of her request was based upon all the preparation.

1.  She prepared personally.

Her character was unquestioned.

2. She prepared physically.

Esther always looked her best for her husband.

3. She prepared spiritually.

For three days she and the others affected had been fasting and praying.

4. She prepared socially.

As a good hostess, it was a pleasure to have a meal and spend time at her home.  Someone once said, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach."  Cooking good food is always an attraction.

5. She prepared emotionally.

It was self-discipline that kept her from showing her emotions too soon.  She did not cry.  She did not blurt out her request.  She waited for the moment.

6. She prepared verbally.

When the moment arrived knew exactly what she was going to say and how to say it.

She stated the bottom-line first.

She explained her willingness to accept hardship.

She revealed the personal consequences of his decision.

Her request was granted.