Swept up in the beauty contest of the century, she walked through the doors and awaited her night with the infamous bachelor. After months of skin care treatments, hair styling, and makeup, it was finally her night. Walking around the ornate room, she thought, “How is this even possible? I feel like an impostor. This isn’t really me.” Hearing a sound, she turned to face him and in that moment, her life changed forever.
Becoming queen seemed almost as ridiculous as going through beauty treatments for an entire year, and yet, Queen Esther sat at a banquet in her honor.
Reading the book of Esther in the Old Testament, it is incredibly easy to gloss over some of the details. Incredibly, the young and beautiful Esther found favor with Hegai, the guardian over the king’s harem. As a result, he gifted her with seven maids and a special place within the harem. Ladies, can you imagine seven maids doting on you to enhance your physical features?
Esther possessed a beauty that radiated from within. Peter describes this kind of beauty in his epistle.
Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” (1 Peter 3:3-4, NASB)
Queen Esther settled into her new role and continued to find favor with King Ahasuerus. And though being queen had begun to feel somewhat comfortable, Esther became the “Queen of Fake It ‘Til You Make It’. What if anyone found out who she really was? How would King Ahasuerus, the ruler of the Persian Empire, react?
Jokingly and somewhat serious, many women declare “Fake it ’til you make it.” Not feeling beautiful? Try the latest makeup products and fake it ’til you make it. Not thin enough? Eat this or don’t eat that and just fake it ’til you make it. Thinking about that Pilates class at the gym but afraid of making a fool of yourself….no worries, fake it ’til you make it.
Whether it’s comparison or expectations set for ourselves, we strive for bigger and better all the time. Confidence is rooted in what I can do or what I can fake long enough to make it believable. But with such a shaky foundation, that confidence only lasts so long. The enemy whispers, “You’re just a poser. What a fake you are. Do you really think you can stick with that plan?”
So, how does God respond to Satan’s taunts? Before getting wrapped up in the next best thing and trying to fake it ’til we make it, I think God longs for us to climb up into His lap, remind us of His love, and just rest.
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NASB)
Striving to be something or someone you aren’t is exhausting, and pretending only gets you so far.
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I am a teacher by trade and a student by heart. With a love for books and music, I share my heart at An Anchored Faith. My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:37-38, believing God’s love is more than enough. Visit my blog!
Stephanie – such a sweet reminder that we need to be just exactly who God has made us to be and not to listen to the lies and whispers. It is exhausting being someone else. Such a great post and congratulations on being one the first to be highlighted on the launch of blessed transgressions. Also, thank you Erika
Thank you for the encouragement, Debbie. Freedom most definitely is maintained by resisting the enemy’s attacks with lies upon lies.
I needed this reminder, thank you for sharing! So often I judge myself harshly and keep on faking it but seldom do I remind myself of Jesus’ love for me. Thanks again!
It’s through His perfect love that each one of us is truly known and cherished. I think we are much harder on ourselves than we should be.