Gò0dNews for Everyone
Time For a Change
T
by Katie Loveless
here is consensus that 2020 was a challenging year.
king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy
Many hoped 2021 would bring immediate relief—
and gladness, a feast and a good day” (Esther 8:16-17).
officially marking a new season. As we are over
One precept I love from this account is that the
halfway through the year, there are visible reminders all
Jews feasted and gave praise before the day of the battle
around that we are not back to “normal.” Others have had
which was looming—a decree announced a change in
the added difficulty of coping with illness, grief, or disasters.
circumstance. The king’s edict gave the Jews permission to
We find ourselves yearning for change yet unsure of what
gather together and stand for their lives.
will be and what to hope for. Tree debris from last year’s tornado is still apparent in our area. Soon after the storm, we had to take measures to deal with the shifting of the earth around our home, as the pressure created movement in the terrain. We ultimately chose to reinforce our home’s foundation. The landscape of our hearts changed too. We were deeply impacted by our brush with mortality and our subsequent short season of homelessness with small children in tow. Dear friends took us in and sheltered our hearts long after the storm passed. I embrace the unforeseen gifts that emerge from an unexpected season of distress. I am learning to value the season I am in while also yearning with hopeful expectations for the change in season that is forthcoming. There is a consecration that comes from a
“…in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped
dependence on God for things that only He can provide. As
to have power over them, though it was turned to the
faith builds, so does the sanctity of our praise. Praise does
contrary, so that the Jews had rule over them that hated
not change our circumstances, but it does raise our hearts
them” (Esther 9:1).
above it. Fortunately, the Jewish people of Queen Esther’s time enjoyed the same relief from changing times. Though previously in great despair over imminent destruction from
“…and as the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy” (Esther 9:22). Just as in the days of Jewish history, God can turn things
a wicked plot and king’s decree, Queen Esther’s divine
around. So often, He brings relief on the wings of our praise
obedience to avenge her people by proposing an amended
because we are in a posture of expectation—waiting on Him
decree to the king resulted in the reignition of gladness and
to do what only He can do. Depending on God—now I call
joy among the Jewish people.
that a good day!
And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the
18 // November 2021
About The Author
“The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour. Katie Loveless is a social worker, wife, and mother of five boys. She is a student of grace who enjoys writing, gardening, and empowering others to pursue stability.
