PETITIONING THE KING:
TURNING AFFLICTION INTO PETITION - LESSONS FROM ESTHER, HANNAH, AND A ROMAN SOLDIER
(10-2023) by Carol Scheitlin
Affliction, worry, illness, difficult circumstances. The stresses of life can be overwhelming. Often during these times, in sheer desperation, we cry out to God, questioning how, what, why.
God wants us to come to Him with every need and in every circumstance. But how often do we think that we can handle things by using our own logic, intellect and intelligence? How often do we forfeit God’s peace, and find ourselves yielding instead to our own panic?
This is Carol Scheitlin of New Life Expressions. This month I’d just like to explore quickly a few key Bible examples and key points about the great privilege and blessing it is to be able to come before our Powerful God, our Loving Father, our Caring King.. Before the panic sets in, before circumstances steal from you, and rob you of the peace and victory that God has for you, consider these points.
We will look at:
- What it Means to Approach our King
- The Attributes of our King
- How We Can Petition with Power and Faith (A Few Examples from the Bible)
- Coming Boldly to the Throne of Grace
- A Prayer from one afflicted & A Promise from the King of kings
I pray the Lord will draw you closer to Him as you pray, petition, and trust God to do a great work in your life. Let’s enter in and stand before the King of kings.
WHAT IT MEANS TO APPROACH OUR KING:
The King that we can approach is the King of all kings. He is ruler over all details and affairs of life - the powerful God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
He is the defender of the fatherless, the weak, the widow, and the infirmed. He is the gracious King Who can give victory and provide help to us in our times of greatest need.
Approaching the King is approaching the One True and Living God – in prayer, in petition, in pleading, in crying out. It is looking to Him to meet your own needs. It is also interceding for the needs of others.
Approaching the King is coming to the God of all eternity - coming in humility, knowing that He is God and we are not.
THE ATTRIBUTES OF OUR KING:
Here are just a few attributes of our King that I’d like to highlight at this time:
THE GOD OF THE BIBLE IS ALIVE & HE’S ABOUT RELATIONSHIP: God invites us into a deep, loving, caring relationship with Him. He invites you to cast all your cares and concerns on Him – whatever you are anxious about, all of your stresses, and the cries of your heart. God cares about you and all the details of your life.
HE’S PREPARED THE WAY: The door is open for us to stand before the Holy King of kings. His atoning work on the cross, paid the penalty for all our sins, and makes the way for us to stand clean and free, in His presence.
HE IS AVAILABLE 24/7, ALL THE TIME: God is always available for you. He never slumbers or sleeps. You can call on Him ANY TIME of the day or night, wherever you are, through whatever is happening, no matter what the need.
HOW WE CAN PETITION WITH POWER & FAITH (A few Examples & Personal Applications):
Let’s take a quick look at 3 specific people in the Bible who approached and personally petitioned God during their time of trouble.
The PRAYER & FASTING Petition of ESTHER:
God Our King Works Sovereignly
It was a dangerous time in Esther’s days (about 483 – 473 B.C). Hatred for the Jewish people existed and there were some who wanted to obliterate the entire Jewish race. Esther was Jewish. Through Divine providence God positioned Esther as queen in the royal courts of a Persian king named Ahasuerus (some know as King Xerxes, son of Darius 1, grandson of King Cyrus).
Esther purposed to plead before the king to spare the lives of the Jewish people threatened with annihilation.
Prior to presenting the plea to King Ahasuerus, Esther called for her people to pray and fast to the Lord – to petition the King of all kings.
Esther’s call for prayer is found in the Book of Esther, chaper 4, verse 16: “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”
It was against the law for anyone to go before King Ahasuerus uninvited, but Esther chose to do it, even risking her own life, to save the Jews from destruction.
Esther went before King Ahasuerus and made her plea. The Lord gave Esther favor in the eyes of Ahasuerus. A new edict was issued which led to the saving of her people.
God heard the cries and petitions of Esther and of those who prayed and fasted with her.
God acted on behalf of those who looked to Him – those who recognized they had no power of their own to deal with the darkness and evil.
God preserved a people - reversing the sentence of death… to a decree for life.
The Jewish people, to this day remember that time of deliverance by celebrating “Purim” each year (during the Hebrew month of Adar - around the month of March).
It marks the time in Esther’s day when God miraculously, amazingly, and in unexpected ways, sovereignly turned around the evil and worked things for good, to prevent the annihilation of the Jewish people.
Esther 9:26-28: “(Therefore these days were called Purim, from the word pur.) Because of everything written in this letter and because of what they had seen and what had happened to them, 27 the Jews took it on themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year, in the way prescribed and at the time appointed. 28 These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews—nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants.” (niv)
You can read the Book of Esther (a quick 10 chapters) in the Old Testament. It’s an intriguing account of God’s sovereignty over evil, His very supernatural way of working through all the details of daily events. You will see God’s providential care in the midst of the life-threatening circumstances, and through all the twists and turns found in Esther’s story.
A few practical lessons: God will hear your pleas offered in submission and sacrifice.
No matter what evil or wickedness assails you, GOD IS GREATER. He is sovereign and in control.
God can rescue you, work details out to bring LIFE, and give you a reason to celebrate and honor Him.
The “POURING OUT” Petition of HANNAH:
God Our King Answers Our Cries
Hannah’s story is found in the Bible book of 1 Samuel, in the first few chapters. Her name in Hebrew means gracious, favored. Hannah was a gracious and Godly woman of faith. She was married to a man named Elkanah who loved her dearly. But there was an ungodly rival in her life, a woman named Peninnah who was also married to Elkanah. Peninnah kept taunting Hannah about her inability to conceive a child. Hannah, the Bible says, became greatly distressed.
1 Samuel 1:6-7: “And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the Lord had closed her womb. 7 So it was, year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, that she provoked her; therefore she (Hannah) wept and did not eat.”
So what does Hannah do? Let’s read part of her story here:
1 Samuel 1:10-18: “And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. 11 Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.”
12 And it happened, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli watched her mouth. 13 Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. 14 So Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!”
15 But Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. 16 Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.”
17 Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.”
18 And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.”
In much despair and stress, Hannah went into God’s house where she prayed silently before the priest named Eli. Hannah poured out her heart silently before the Lord. She promised the Lord that if He would give her a son, then she would dedicate her son and give him to serve the Lord all the days of his life.
God answered Hannah’s cries. Hannah bore a son, named Samuel (Hebrew name meaning “asked of God”). Samuel would serve the Lord faithfully, would become a famous prophet in Israel’s history, would anoint King Saul, and then King David - the first two kings of Israel.
God further blessed Hannah by giving her three more sons and two daughters. (ref: 1 Samuel 2:21)
Hannah is a great example for us. She knew she could approach God and pour out all the pain, desperation, and the deep inner hurt she was bearing.
The Book of 1st Samuel in the Old Testament tells of the struggles Hannah faced, and shows how God answered her prayers. Hannah’s prayer of praise and victory is recorded in Chapter 2. You can also learn more about her son the prophet Samuel, and about the rise and fall of King Saul who was replaced by King David “a man after God’s own heart”.
It is from King David’s line, that the promised Jewish Messiah, the Savior would come - as the Light and Life for Jews and Gentiles around the world.
What lessons can you glean from Hannah’s story?
You can approach your loving Heavenly Father, the King of all kings, as Hannah did.
You can bring your tears, distress, and whatever “bitterness of soul” that might be afflicting you. You can pour out your pain, openly and honestly to God. And you can wait, in faith, expecting God to answer.
Another practical application is to realize that not everyone around you will understand fully what you are going through. Some may even mis-judge or mis-characterize your situation, even taunt and ridicule you, as Peninnah did to Hannah. But no matter how people react or treat you, mis-judge or mock you, you can respond rightly, continuing to MAINTAIN FOCUS ON GOD, as Hannah did. You can find victory in GOD and trust HIS ways which are higher and more noble.. and worthy of our praise.
The Petition of FAITH - THE CENTURION:
God Our King Blesses Faith
A Roman centurion was a military leader who was given authority over many soldiers. In the Bible book of Luke, we can read the account of one such centurion who appealed to Jesus to heal his dear servant who was sick and ready to die.
This account is found in Luke 7:7-10:
“Now when He (Jesus) concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. 2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. 3 So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, 5 “for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.”
6 Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” 10 And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.”
Matthew 8:13 records “Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.”
God rewarded the great faith of the humble centurion. While the centurion himself was a man of authority, he had faith in GOD’s AUTHORITY to speak a word to accomplish the impossible. The centurion’s servant was healed.
Maybe there are loved ones in your life who are infirmed, weak, and in need of prayer. Would you take the time needed to plead to the Lord on their behalf – praying for their healing, for their salvation, for protection, for wisdom, for strength – for them?
The Book of Luke in the New Testament contains accounts of various types of healing, as well as many details in the life of Jesus – from His birth, His childhood, His ministry, the calling of His disciples, records of Jesus’ teachings, parables, and details regarding the Messiah’s crucifixion and glorious resurrection.
Come Boldly to Throne of Grace
Whatever trials, heartaches, afflictions, or fears that you may be facing today, God invites you to come to Him with all your needs and petitions. Pray to Him. Pour out your heart to GOD.
You can approach His throne of grace with your prayers:
- as Esther did, with pleas for her people facing crisis
- as Hannah did, pouring out her pain and struggles
- as the Roman soldier did, interceding for someone dear.
You can approach the King of all kings. Freely. Weak in ourselves, but strengthened in HIM. Grieved by sin, but thankful for His victory over it.
Ask God today to show Himself strong in your situation. And trust Him to do the great work, that only He can do. You can find God’s help in your times of need.
“Come to Me,
all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)
“The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)
In Conclusion: A Prayer & A Promise
A PRAYER from one afflicted, who was overwhelmed and poured out his heart to the Lord, AND A PROMISE from the King of kings
“Hear my prayer, Lord;
let my cry for help come to you.
2 Do not hide your face from me
when I am in distress.
Turn your ear to me;
when I call, answer me quickly…
8 All day long my enemies taunt me;
those who rail against me use my name as a curse.
9 For I eat ashes as my food
and mingle my drink with tears…
12 But you, Lord, sit enthroned forever;
your renown endures through all generations…
15 The nations will fear the name of the Lord,
all the kings of the earth will revere your glory.
16 For the Lord will rebuild Zion
and appear in his glory.
17 He will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
he will not despise their plea.
18 Let this be written for a future generation,
that a people not yet created may praise the Lord:
19 “The Lord looked down from his sanctuary on high,
from heaven he viewed the earth,
20 to hear the groans of the prisoners
and release those condemned to death.”
21 So the name of the Lord will be declared in Zion
and his praise in Jerusalem
22 when the peoples and the kingdoms
assemble to worship the Lord.
25 In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
26 They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
Like clothing you will change them
and they will be discarded.
27 But you remain the same,
and your years will never end.
28 The children of your servants will live in your presence;
their descendants will be established before you.” (Ref: Psalm 102)
Your answer is found in HIM, dear one.
“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 28:13)
Thanks for visiting. Visit this website next time for a message entitled: "Investing in the Next Generation”.
Want to know more about a relationship with God?
If your identity is not found in Jesus - If you don’t know Jesus, you can know Him! A few quick things to help you get started:
- Pick up the Holy Bible and start reading! (The Gospel of John in the New Testament is a great place to start!).
- Click HERE to find out about God’s FREE Gift of Salvation.
- Get connected to a solid church where the Bible is taught. Book by book, verse by verse teaching, is a great way to gain rich understanding!
- Turn from darkness and the bondage of sin, and trust Messiah Jesus to give you life and make you NEW in Him!
Carol Scheitlin is director of New Life Expressions, writer, author, and blogger. She has served short term on various missions around the world, long term in engineering and manufacturing businesses, and for many years directed a worldwide outreach. She loves encouraging people to see Messiah Jesus throughout the Scriptures – and to know God’s awesome, perfect and sacrificial love. Only through HIM can we know this deep love, and have real hope, victory - and New Life!
Carol has written 12 books, being published over time. The first two books, "Let the House of Aaron Say", and "I Will Bless Those Who Bless You" are currently available on Amazon. Book #3 will soon be available in the upcoming months.
For more info, quick links to order books, check news, the latest resources and updates, click HERE for News & Updates.
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