Read Esther, Chapters 3 & 4

In preparation for Ron's sermon this Sunday from the book of Esther, we're posting questions to help you think through and apply the Scriptures to your life. Each day, we will suggest two chapters to read from the book of Esther, and our questions will correspond with them. We're giving this kind of blog a test run, and hope you benefit from it.

Read Esther, Chapters 3 & 4 and answer the following questions:

In an effort to stop Haman's plot, Mordecai sent word to Esther for her to plead with the king for his favor on the Jews. After Esther's refusal, Mordecai's words to her were direct and scathing. He told her that, just because she had received the favor of the king and was in his palace, she shouldn't expect that she would be spared from the coming destruction by Haman. There is a verse here which is often quoted, "And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14) This question presumes a lot, doesn't it?

1. Do you believe that God is in control of your life? Has He "messed up" by putting you in the situation that you're in? Had He "messed up" with Esther? What good might come out of the situation you have found ourself in?

Esther didn't immediately jump on board with this plan of Mordecai's, which involved her being put into grave danger with only a slim hope of a possibility of saving her people, the Jews. What was it that finally convinced her? A little encouragement. Encouragement changed the course of a nation (the Jews). Don't underestimate its importance! How might you encourage somebody? Why not start with Scripture? In the Scriptures, we have all of the encouragement we need to live a life that honors God (2 Peter 1:3-4).

2. Who will you encourage today? What will you encourage them to do? How do you need encouragement?

Posted on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 by Ben Reed filed under

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3 comments (Add your own)

1. Brigget Mathis wrote:: I absolutely believe that God is in control of my circumstances. He has a divine plan for my life; I have been called. Many like to quote Romans 8:28 " And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." NKJV But the message doesn't end there. The next verse packs a punch! vs.29 "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestine to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." How are we to be conformed to the image of Christ without high stake risks? What higher stakes than the souls of mankind for the willing sacrifice of the life of God in the flesh? Christ's "ministry" was not one lived out in comfort and ease. He did not face death without turmoil? I would say sweating blood was evidence of some pretty intense human emotions. He knew he was facing death. He even prayed, "Father if it be possible, let this cup pass from me, but if this the only way... YOUR WILL BE DONE!" (Brigget's paraphrased version) He had a clear vision of his purpose on earth. His message was always that he was here to do the will of the Father. His strength was in his ability to see past his sufferings. He kept his focus on fulling the will of the Father.

When Mordecai presents Esther with the idea that this is her purpose in life, she sets herself to seek her strength from God. She sends the message to "PRAY FOR ME! Pray and fast. Have the others pray and fast. I will lead my maidservants in prayer and fasting, and after this time of spiritual preparation, I will go before the king. I will go with my anointing, my calling, my purpose, and if I perish, then I perish. But I will fulfill my life's purpose.

Remember Joseph? Daddy's favorite. Sold into slavery. Falsely accused. Put into prison. Discerned dreams. Forgotten in prison. Oh yeah, he discerns the meaning of dreams. Trusted advisory to the king. Prevents famine and devastation. Reunited with brothers, father, family. Brings the Jews into the graces of the king. God had a plan.

What is that scripture that says, "What Satan has intended for evil, God has ordained for His good."

This one thing I know for sure. God has a plan for my life. There are not mistakes in his plan, and even if I make mistakes in my choices, I can still trust God to work his purpose through my life. I know this one thing for sure, GOD IS FAITHFUL! What he has begun in me he will complete. There is no power on earth or from hell that will change that fact!

I will encourage others by testifying that God is faithful, and we can trust him! He will never fail me. Even when I fail him. He remains faithful! I will encourage others to trust that God is in control, so we don't have to be. The only thing we really have any control over anyway is our own actions, responses, or reactions. Our circumstances are never in our control. Ask someone who has gotten a midnight call, or a medical diagnoses of cancer, or is watching someone he or she loves self destruct because of addiction. Circumstances we can not control. Choosing to trust God and act on our calling to fulfill our purpose, we can do!
June 24, 2008 @ 8:01 AM
2. Ron wrote:: Good stuff Brigett
June 24, 2008 @ 4:04 PM
3. Ben wrote:: Thanks for the encouragement, Brigget! I think that Scripture you're looking for is Genesis 50:20:
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
June 24, 2008 @ 10:12 PM

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