ESTHER 2:8-9 : So it was, when the king’s command and decree were heard, and when many young
women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was taken
to the king’s palace, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women. Now the young woman
pleased him, and she obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her
allowance. Then seven choice maidservants were provided for her from the king’s palace, and he
moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women.
Those who find the greatest joy in life are people who refuse to be discouraged by their
circumstances. Author Zig Ziglar says, “If life hands you a lemon, take the lemon and make
lemonade.”
Esther was handed a lemon. King Ahasuerus decreed that all the beautiful young virgins in his
kingdom should be brought to Shushan for his inspection.
He was looking for a new queen, and a beauty pageant was his method of choice. Esther was part of
these degrading procedures.
But inspite of what must have been an ordeal for a young Jewish woman, she kept her sweet spirit.
Her attitude so impressed Hegai, the custodian of the women, that she became a favorite.
Others have learned this secret as well Charles Goodyear’s lemon was a prison sentence resulting
from a contempt of court citation. Instead of complaining, he became an assistant in the kitchen.
He then used this sour situation to work on an idea for vulcanizing rubber. His lemon became our
lemonade. Because of Charles Goodyear, we have better tires, which means better travel and a
better way of life.
God doesn’t exempt us from experiencing sour fruit. We live in a fallen world and that means we may
find ourselves in situations as tart as lemons. But God can help us keep our spirits sweet. Ask Him to
help you. A sweet testimony can squeeze the juice out of a sour world.
NOTHING IS SO SOUR THAT IT CAN’T BE SWEETENED BY A GOOD ATTITUDE.