Bef
Here are the four principles we learned from the story of Esther.
God has a special plan for our life.
Proverbs 16:9, “In his heart a man plan’s his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”
God hasn’t made a mistake where He has us today. I think we spend too long in our life trying to figure out where God wants us to be or wishing we were somewhere else, instead of just allowing God to do something with our life where we are and waiting for more to come.
Sometimes you will have to go against common sense, against what others advise, even against what you want to do in order to follow God’s plan.
Esther would have to approach the king, though she didn’t have permission…
This could have meant certain and sudden death for her since it was even against the law to approach the king. Esther’s response: “If I perish, I perish!”
It’s ok to take risks for God. The best things in life often come with the greatest risks. The degree of difficulty is not an indication that God is not in it. In fact, the opposite would be closer to truth.
If it’s true God has something planned for your life, the time to get involved is now.
When was the last time you asked, God what do You want to do through my life?
Many times we are either afraid to ask, or even if the answer is clear we want some kind of proof that this is God’s plan for us. We are afraid to simply walk by faith.
Here’s something I found interesting: Esther 4:14 “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” NIV
We mostly consider that last part of the verse, but notice the “Who knows?” It’s a question. They weren’t sure. They knew she was in the position as queen. She had opportunity to see the King. They knew God wanted to save the people. They knew for whatever reason Esther had been made aware of the plan. But did they know for sure that’s what Esther was supposed to do?
Apparently not! They went without being 100% certain. Who knows?
There will be times in your life when you’ve gathered all the information you can, you’ve prayed as well as you know how, you’ve sought Godly counsel; whatever you are doing is not sinful…but there is something inside of you that’s still not sure.
You can sleep on it. That’s something I always do. Esther waited 3 days, but at some point you just have to muster the courage to move forward. Without all the answers, are you ready to step out and walk by faith? Don’t be afraid to act by faith and allow God to determine the outcome.
Trusting in God completely brings great rewards.
Esther saved a nation. Her obedience saved God’s people from destruction! The reward for obedience is always better than expected. Esther went before the king prepared for the worst case scenario…she got the very best! It will always prove profitable in the long run to obey God.
Esther 8:17 In every province and in every city, wherever the edict of the king went, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them. NIV
Many people became followers of God! The people were inspired by the faith of one woman and one man that everything changed in that nation.
When others see us living in radical obedience; obedience that makes no sense, they’ll want some of what we have. The world around you is looking for answers; trying to figure out how to make life work. We may not have all the answers, but we know about a God who does.
My prayer for our church after studying this story is that we would make our own stories of courage; that we would, by faith, be willing to follow God wherever He leads us; as a church and as individuals. If God prompts us to move in a certain direction or He encourages us to do something, I pray that we would just do it!
