Several weeks back, we noted that some of Sarah Palin’s more ardent right-wing supporters were comparing her to Queen Esther and declaring that she was “destined to be the matriarch of her people.”
Now, Sarah Posner in her latest FundamentaList points to this post by Stephen Strang in which Strange shares an email from Pastor Mark Arnold in Lebanon, Ohio who explains how God worked miracles so that he could meet Palin personally and “deliver a message confirming to Sarah and Todd to realize they are truly chosen vessels of God”:
On Sept. 9, the McCain/Palin bus came through a little town called Lebanon, Ohio. The Lord allowed me to go to the rally [to give McCain and Palin] a message that He wanted me to personally deliver.
Sunday Night: A burden hit me that would only shake me to my knees--I prayed and wept for our nation. Never has my heart been so broken before God. I literally interceded for these wonderful people who do not deserve all the hate against them. The God-haters are going to try everything to stop them, but they will not succeed!
God is not pleased with the “bashing” in the news of this “anointed” person [Sarah Palin]. He has called her for this time! I promised God that I would pray and hold them up in prayer. I would “listen” out and be mindful of where they were. The following day is important in this time line ... because I didn't even know until God spoke to me.
Monday and into Monday night: The burden of prayer was so heavy that I was literally shaking and could not stop weeping. I didn't know that they were coming to Ohio. I prayed and walked and wept and walked. I prayed and prayed and wept and prayed.
Tuesday at 2:00 a.m.: God spoke these words to me: “Go turn the radio on!” Immediately the reporter's words were, “McCain & Palin bus to be in Lebanon later this morning for a 10:00 a.m. rally!”
Immediately on hearing that news, I heard God again. God said, “You are to go. You will meet them and give them a message for Me!”
I prayed as an intercessor and went to a place in prayer that I don't think I've ever been … because the Lord had just visited me … and I knew I was on a “mission.” I had now been up since Sunday night … and now it's Tuesday and I've got to go on the “Word of the Lord.” He sure became my strength as this unfolds.
I didn't stop praying until I drove over to the town and parked the car. The news would later report they were expecting 5,000 people, [but] the actual head-count of those who had been scanned was more than 10,000 people.
I simply obeyed … and God actually told me where to stand, who to talk to … and when to be on the move. I had sure learned on the mission field, when God wants to open a door, He will do it at the appropriate time. He always has someone to assist … and even those standing beside you may just be an angel.
…
When McCain came to hug her … he immediately shook my hand and following his moment with her, I shook his hand as he grabbed my hand, now for the second time, and I said, “God wants you to know that I'm praying for you, Sir!” He thanked me and kept smiling. I repeated that phrase to him five times. He grabbed my hands and looked right into my eyes and said, “I won't make it without prayer. Sir, thank you for praying for me, and don't let one day go by that you don't pray for me. I need all the prayers that I can get. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
As he moved to my right, Sarah Palin came over to my left side … standing over the crowd and then looking at the little lady who had lost the son. It took a moment for her to shake some hands and people were pushing in all around. Sarah came and got on her hands and knees on that side of the stage and hugged that little mom, telling her, “It was not in vain.” She promised her support.
It was at this moment Sarah Palin reached out for me to help her up, and as I was assisting her to stand, I was now face-to-face with her, and God said, “Open up your mouth and I will fill it.”
Here is what came out:
“God wants you to know that you are a present-day Esther!”
[She immediately began to cry!]
“God wants to tell you that you are chosen for such a time as this!”
“You are called, and chosen to be a leader.”
“Don't lose heart and don't fear man.”
“The news and naysayers and criticizers are going to be very hateful toward you … and in the days ahead they are going to turn up the heat … but do not fear.”
“You are a present-day Esther.” You are an Esther. You are an Esther!
“Keep your eyes on God and know that He has chosen you to reign!”
“Stay strong ... be strong ... don't tire. Don't be weary in well-doing. Be strong.”
Her husband, Todd, came over, and I told him what I told her. He began to cry.
I emphasized the fact that he was to guard her at this time … and know that “she is God-called and God-anointed.”
“This is a God-thing and your wife is a present-day Esther ... she is for God to use at this time ... she is an Esther ... she is an Esther ... she is an Esther.”
“You will be hated … but stand strong … God has called both of you to stand!”
“We are praying and I am praying for you!”
At this moment, McCain came right to where I was finishing talking to Todd, and I told Mr. McCain exactly what I told to Sarah and Todd Palin.
“Mr. McCain … they are called of God and she is an Esther.”
“Don't lose hope and don't lose heart.”
“We are praying for all of you!”
He shook my hand and with a deep look of understanding what I had just said, he said, “Thank you for your prayers and support ... I really do mean that!”
And he turned and shook more hands … and I watched them as they went through the crowd.
When I got to my car I sat there for quite a long time … knowing the God of the universe had just used me to deliver a message confirming to Sarah and Todd to realize they are truly chosen vessels of God.
I wept. I have not stopped praying and crying. My heart is full knowing they had to have all the staging and all the hype and all the crowd … but the God of heaven and earth … wanted to give them a divine God-appointment!
