Esther

Just finished reading through the book of Esther ... WOW! That story would make a FANTASTIC movie.

Here are some of my personal takeaways:

• God's plan cannot be thwarted by anything (including evil) and yet God's people must support God's plan. {Esther 4:12-14}


• There will come a time when our faith will require courage that can only come from God. {Esther 4:15-16}


• God's timing is SO perfect (I am so impatient with this!) ... when it is God's time, am I ready to go?


• God uses His people, even when they are surrounded by difficult, and in the case of Haman, evil people.


• Esther submitted to the authorities (even pagan ones) placed over her.  Submission positions us for God to use us (see Romans 13:1-6).
  
  
  
  • Side note:  sometimes I hear people get real concerned about what will happen if "so-and-so" becomes President.  If God can use King Xerxes, I'm sure He can also use whoever becomes our President.  God is sovereign ("large & in charge"), and His hands are not tied by the governments of man.  And yes, we still need to vote :)
  
  
  
  


• Esther is very sensitive to the culture she is in.  She never compromises her convictions.  She speaks and lives out those convictions in the context of her culture.  (Great application for churches). {Esther 5:1-8}


• Esther met her "defining moment" with prayer & fasting.  God responded with favor and blessing.  Once again, I cannot explain it (not sure I want to be able to either) ... but pray activates the hand of God. {Esther 4:16-17}


• We need to celebrate God's wins in our lives.  The Jewish people instituted an entire holiday to celebrate and remember God's protection during the time of Esther.  {Esther 9:18-23}  I'm not sure we do this enough ... think about how much we celebrate victories in this world: parades, trophies, awards, recognition dinners, ceremonies, diplomas, etc. ... are there spiritual equivalents to rejoice in God's victories?

My prayer from Esther:

God,  You have placed us here for "such a time as this".  May we meet this moment with the same faith, courage, and wisdom as Esther and Mordecai, and may we rejoice in the victories You alone can bring.