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Tuesday, November 29, 2005


"Esther Moments"

"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?" (Esther 4:14).

Today I had the opportunity to share a message in a chapel service at a Christian high school. Our daughter Ester attended this school for two years and I spoke on her namesake, the great biblical character Queen Esther. It's a message I especially believe young people need to hear since a foundational truth is that God does indeed have a purpose for each one of us. One of my most formative discipling concepts in my early years as a Christian was the spiritual truth that God loves me and has a wonderful plan (purpose) for my life.

Ester is now 16 and we regularly seek to reinforce that God has a purpose for her life. Due to health problems (she's a heart kid) and some developmental setbacks, she may be somewhat limited as far as human potential, but she is in no way limited from doing what God in His strength has called her to do. Every one of us can proclaim this truth, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Ask her what she is and she will quickly tell you, "I'm an overcomer!"

I recall hearing a teaching a number of years ago on "Esther moments". These are those special times when God's purpose for our life is especially apparent. This concept is based on the daily text when Mordecai encouraged Esther to take a stand. The Jews faced annihilation (as they so often have throughout history) and Esther was in a position to act for their preservation.

Mordecai was confident that, in one way or another, the deliverance of the Jews would come, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place." Amazingly in the bigger picture God's grand purposes are always fulfilled with or without our cooperation. However Mordecai challenged Esther to be the agent of God's deliverance, "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

Today all over the world God is working through His people, accomplishing His purpose. At times we can especially sense His work through us in a specific way. What a great joy these times are and may the Lord grant all of us these "Esther moments". However at other times we just may not immediately sense the significance of our obedience but obedience always brings blessing.  Let us stay faithful!


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Brooksyne's Prayer – Jesus, sometimes I am fearful when You speak to my heart about being obedient.  You compel me like you did Esther to do or say something that's not within my comfort zone and I fear the outcome.  This often prevents me from stepping out in faith and following through with an obedient heart.  Would You remind me that there is great blessing when I follow Your leading.  Help me not to fear the outcome, for that is in Your hands.  Thank You for Your prompting and for entrusting to me to be a part of your grand purpose.

Here is a perspective related to today's message.

 

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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