Embracing God's Providence: A Journey Through Esther
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. Today, we gathered to celebrate the Lord's goodness and to remind ourselves of His enduring love and faithfulness. We began by reflecting on Psalm 106, which calls us to give thanks to the Lord and to remember His mighty acts. We prayed for God's movement in our lives, asking Him to help us break free from mere traditions and rituals, and to truly experience His presence.
We also shared some exciting announcements, including a capital campaign for a new youth area, upcoming movie nights, and various events aimed at fostering community and spiritual growth. But the heart of today's message was centered on the theme of "Remembering the Lord," as we embark on a 10-week journey through the book of Esther.
I shared my personal testimony of how God delivered me from a life of chaos and sin, emphasizing the importance of continually remembering the Lord in every aspect of our lives. We explored the story of King Belshazzar from the book of Daniel, who arrogantly used sacred vessels for a pagan feast, only to be confronted by God's hand writing on the wall. This story set the stage for our study of Esther, where God's providence is evident even though His name is never mentioned.
In Esther, we see a hidden hand of God positioning His people for His purposes. The story begins with a lavish feast thrown by King Ahasuerus, which leads to Queen Vashti's removal and sets the stage for Esther's rise to queenship. This seemingly insignificant event was actually a divine setup for God's plan to save His people.
We are reminded that God remembers us and has brought us to this moment for a purpose. Just as Esther was positioned for "such a time as this," we too are placed in our current circumstances by God's providential hand. We are called to embrace this divine moment, not just for ourselves but for the greater good of those around us.
As we move forward, I am calling our church to a 10-week period of fasting and prayer every Tuesday. This will help us seek God's guidance and unite us in our mission. Whether it's fasting from food, social media, or other distractions, the goal is to turn our focus to God and seek His will for our lives and our church.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Faithfulness and Remembrance: God never forgets His promises or His people. Throughout the Bible, we see instances where God remembered individuals like Noah, Abraham, and Rachel, and acted on their behalf. This same God remembers you and your struggles, and He is actively working in your life even when His hand seems hidden. [48:53]
2. The Hidden Hand of Providence: In the book of Esther, God's name is never mentioned, yet His providential hand is evident throughout the story. This teaches us that even when we don't see overt signs of God's presence, He is still at work, orchestrating events for our good and His glory. [59:57]
3. Embracing Divine Moments: Just as Esther was positioned for a specific purpose, we too are placed in our current circumstances for a reason. Every relationship, challenge, and opportunity is part of God's providential plan. We are called to embrace these moments and seek God's guidance in fulfilling His purpose for our lives. [01:08:24]
4. The Power of Fasting and Prayer: Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that helps us focus on God and seek His will. As a church, we are called to a 10-week period of fasting and prayer every Tuesday. This collective act of dependence on God will unite us and help us discern His direction for our church and our individual lives. [01:14:39]
5. Unity in Purpose: As we embark on this journey together, it's crucial to stay united in our mission. By fasting and praying together, we align our hearts with God's will and support each other in our spiritual growth. This unity will enable us to effectively carry out God's plans for our church and community. [01:12:59]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[10:26] - Opening Prayer and Reflection on Psalm 106
[11:22] - Breaking Free from Tradition
[24:12] - Capital Campaign Announcement
[24:57] - Upcoming Movie Nights and Events
[25:42] - Kids Outdoor Zone and Housewarming Celebration
[26:27] - Hunter's Education Course
[27:07] - Women's Bible Study and Reach Texas Campaign
[29:02] - Grief Share and Fasting Initiative
[29:50] - Call to Fasting and Prayer
[30:49] - Types of Fasting
[31:48] - Texting for Weekly Prayer Themes
[32:35] - Instructions for Texting
[33:15] - Children's Sermon on Goblets and Vessels
[42:45] - Worship and Prayer for God's Movement
[44:18] - Introduction to the Book of Esther
[52:04] - Story of King Belshazzar and God's Hand
[55:55] - Esther's Story and God's Hidden Hand
[59:57] - The Hidden Hand of Providence
[01:08:24] - Embracing Divine Moments
[01:12:59] - Unity in Purpose
[01:14:39] - Call to Fast and Pray Together
[01:22:06] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 106:1-5 - "Hallelujah, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His faithful love endures forever. Who can declare the Lord's mighty acts or proclaim all the praises due to Him? How happy are those who uphold justice and who practice righteousness at all times. Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people. Come to me with your salvation."
2. 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 your royal position for such a time as this?"
3. Daniel 5:22-23 - "But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 106:1-5 emphasize about God's character and our response to Him?
2. In the story of King Belshazzar from Daniel 5, what was the significance of using the sacred vessels for a pagan feast? [52:04]
3. How does the book of Esther illustrate the concept of God's hidden hand of providence? [59:57]
4. What was Esther's response to Mordecai's challenge in Esther 4:14, and what does this reveal about her character?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Psalm 106:1-5 encourage us to remember God's faithfulness in our daily lives?
2. What lessons can we learn from King Belshazzar's arrogance and the consequences he faced? [52:04]
3. How can the hidden hand of God in the book of Esther provide comfort during times when we don't see overt signs of God's presence? [59:57]
4. What does Esther's willingness to risk her life for her people teach us about embracing divine moments in our own lives? [01:11:34]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence was hidden in your life. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [47:26]
2. How can you actively remember God's faithfulness and promises in your daily routine? What practical steps can you take to keep this remembrance alive? [48:53]
3. In what ways can you embrace the divine moments in your current circumstances, just as Esther did? Identify one specific area where you feel God is calling you to act. [01:08:24]
4. The sermon calls for a 10-week period of fasting and prayer. What specific type of fast (food, social media, etc.) will you commit to, and how will you use this time to seek God's guidance? [01:14:39]
5. How can you support and encourage others in your small group or church community to stay united in purpose during this 10-week journey of fasting and prayer? [01:12:59]
6. Think of a relationship or challenge you are currently facing. How can you seek God's providential hand in this situation, and what steps will you take to trust His guidance? [01:08:24]
7. How can you apply the lessons from Esther's story to your own life, especially in terms of recognizing and acting upon the opportunities God places before you? [01:11:34]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Faithfulness and Remembrance
God never forgets His promises or His people. Throughout the Bible, we see instances where God remembered individuals like Noah, Abraham, and Rachel, and acted on their behalf. This same God remembers you and your struggles, and He is actively working in your life even when His hand seems hidden. Reflect on the story of King Belshazzar from the book of Daniel, who arrogantly used sacred vessels for a pagan feast, only to be confronted by God's hand writing on the wall. This story sets the stage for our study of Esther, where God's providence is evident even though His name is never mentioned. [48:53]
Genesis 8:1 (ESV): "But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt forgotten or overlooked. How can you remind yourself today that God remembers you and is actively working in your life?
Day 2: The Hidden Hand of Providence
In the book of Esther, God's name is never mentioned, yet His providential hand is evident throughout the story. This teaches us that even when we don't see overt signs of God's presence, He is still at work, orchestrating events for our good and His glory. The story begins with a lavish feast thrown by King Ahasuerus, which leads to Queen Vashti's removal and sets the stage for Esther's rise to queenship. This seemingly insignificant event was actually a divine setup for God's plan to save His people. [59:57]
Esther 4:14 (ESV): "For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
Reflection: Reflect on a situation in your life where you didn't see God's hand at work initially. How can you trust in His hidden providence in your current circumstances?
Day 3: Embracing Divine Moments
Just as Esther was positioned for a specific purpose, we too are placed in our current circumstances for a reason. Every relationship, challenge, and opportunity is part of God's providential plan. We are called to embrace these moments and seek God's guidance in fulfilling His purpose for our lives. Esther's story reminds us that God positions His people for His purposes, even when the path seems unclear. [01:08:24]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: Identify a current challenge or opportunity in your life. How can you embrace this moment as part of God's divine plan and seek His guidance in it?
Day 4: The Power of Fasting and Prayer
Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that helps us focus on God and seek His will. As a church, we are called to a 10-week period of fasting and prayer every Tuesday. This collective act of dependence on God will unite us and help us discern His direction for our church and our individual lives. Whether it's fasting from food, social media, or other distractions, the goal is to turn our focus to God and seek His will. [01:14:39]
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
Reflection: What is one thing you can fast from this week to help you focus more on God? How can this act of fasting help you seek His will more clearly?
Day 5: Unity in Purpose
As we embark on this journey together, it's crucial to stay united in our mission. By fasting and praying together, we align our hearts with God's will and support each other in our spiritual growth. This unity will enable us to effectively carry out God's plans for our church and community. We are reminded that God remembers us and has brought us to this moment for a purpose. [01:12:59]
Philippians 2:2 (ESV): "Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of our church community this week? What specific actions can you take to support and encourage others in their spiritual journey?
Quotes
1. "God, we come to this place today, Lord, resting in hope that you are true, that you are good, and that our life is not meaningless. God, this struggle that we're going through is not meaningless. This relationship that we're having a hard time seeing restoration in, Lord, Lord, it's not meaningless. There is movement of you, Lord. And we're just to call out on the name of Christ today." [10:26] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I was talking to a brother just before service. I asked him, where is the Lord moving? He said, anywhere they let him. He just burdened, Lord, with your churches this morning that are going to come together and sing and pray and hear God's word speak, but the Spirit may never really be moving, God, because it's just a tradition, just a ritual that has been established. Lord, Lord, may we break out of ritual today. May we not have tradition in the sense that takes our heart from you, Lord. May we just rest in you today." [11:22] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God delivered me out of a mess y'all and I know he delivered you too about I just think about my own mess and where I was and I was in the midst of a one of those dark clouds where there's wickedness all around you it's kind of like a a hurricane spinning around and there's wickedness everywhere you can imagine and I'm not just over spiritualizing I mean like drugs and alcohol and and and sexual stuff and everything else you can imagine just whirling around it's like any direction I would go there it was and in the eye of the storm church in the eye of that storm was my own deceitful heart in the midst of the whole thing but you know what happened god came down right in the midst of that mess and he cleared it and split it just like the red sea." [45:50] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God remembers you don't ever forget it know it within your soul know it within your bones that he remembers you he remembers you he remembers his promises in fact god has always remembered that's the good thing about our lord being omniscient and all-knowing and all-powerful is he's got a memory where you never fade out of it in fact in genesis 8 it said god remembered noah and the water began to subside in genesis 19 it says so it was when god destroyed the cities on the plain he remembered abraham and brought lot out of the middle of the upheaval when he demolished the city in genesis 30 it said god remembered rachel and he listened to her and opened up her womb genesis 2 it says god heard their groaning and god remembered his covenant with abraham isaac and jacob and numbers 10 says when you enter into the battle into the land against your adversary who is attacking you sound short blast of the trumpets and you will be remembered by the lord your god first samuel then elkanah was intimate with his wife hannah and the lord remembered her." [50:22] (71 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I believe that god has brought you here not by accident can you say amen church i mean it that you set right where you set not by accident that he has brought you to this moment to this place for such a time as this i believe that every relationship that you've had every mistake you've made every sin that you've committed every opportunity you faced every challenge that has come against you i believe that in the midst of it all there has been a providential hand of god that's right there and you're not here by accident even all the messy situations god had a providential plan for you and so my question today as we start this 10-week series is will you embrace this divine moment in your life." [01:08:24] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "I believe that through his mercy and his grace he will bring healing to your family and restoration to your family and those relationships around you and to the further ends of the the earth where we see nations coming to jesus i believe god has plans and and in his sovereign providential work he uses us here in blackfoot to fulfill him it's amazing what happens when we seek the lord become dependent on him and say wherever you take us god we're going the question is is will you embrace this divine moment in your life i love the way esther embraced it we'll see it later more fully we'll talk about it more fully but i want you to know what esther said when mordecai looked at her and said i don't know but maybe for such a time as this you have been brought to this place and here's her response to it in chapter 4 verse 15 she says she sent reply to mordecai go and assemble all the jews who can be found in susa and fast for me don't eat or drink for three days night or day and i and my female servants will also fast in the same way and after that i will go to the king even if it is against the law if i perish i perish." [01:10:10] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Would you come to the altar today and say god would you cleanse my heart so that tuesday i can start with this power of knowing it's a work you're already doing maybe you're here today and you hear all this and you know that you're apart from christ and none of this really makes sense because you need to get that relationship right first if that's you then you come up today let me walk through with you to show you that jesus is the answer he's the only answer you he's the one that died death on a cross for you and fulfilled what was required that death was required but then he defeated the grave gave his resurrection and his righteousness to us that only he deserved what a blessed message it is would you respond to that first then would you let your heart be cleansed today and would you commit maybe you've never fasted before and today you come to the altar and you say god i have no clue how to fast but i'm going to try this for 10 weeks i want to put you first in my life for 10 weeks what would he do well let's find out." [01:15:45] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I've never fasted before. I don't even know where to start. Well, here's how you start. You start. Are you with me? It's like most things in life. If you don't start, you're never going to get started. And so what does that mean? It means on Tuesday, on this Tuesday, you say, okay, God, whatever it is, I'm giving this up. And all those categories, I'm giving this up and I'm going to turn my attention to you. And even if that starts with just a few little prayers and it builds into something, just start. Just start. Fast unto the Lord and see what he does in the life of your home and in the life of our church. And then we're going to give him all the credit, all the glory, and we're going to see what he does." [01:22:52] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?