Embracing God's Timing: Lessons from Esther's Courage

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Humility and Seeking Forgiveness

Acknowledging our shortcomings is a vital step in our spiritual journey. It requires us to come before God with humility, recognizing our missteps and seeking His forgiveness. This act of humility allows us to experience the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, which purifies us from all unrighteousness. Despite our failures, God's grace is sufficient to restore us, reminding us that His love is unconditional and ever-present. As we confess our sins, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's grace, which renews our hearts and minds. [00:51]

1 John 1:9 (ESV): "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness. How can you approach Him with humility and openness today?

Day 2: Recognizing and Utilizing Our Influence

The story of Esther teaches us about the power of influence and how it can be used for God's glory. Even when God's name isn't explicitly mentioned, His presence is evident in our lives. We are encouraged to recognize the influence we possess and to use it to make a positive impact in the world. Esther's position as queen gave her a unique opportunity to save her people, and her story reminds us that God has placed us in specific situations for a purpose. By acknowledging our influence, we can become vessels of God's love and grace, impacting those around us in meaningful ways. [22:25]

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: Identify a sphere of influence in your life. How can you use your position or resources to make a positive impact for God's glory today?

Day 3: The Importance of Timing and Spiritual Preparation

Esther's decision to fast and seek God's guidance before approaching the king highlights the importance of timing and spiritual preparation. Her story teaches us to wait on God's timing and to seek His insight before making significant decisions. In moments of uncertainty, it is crucial to pause, pray, and prepare spiritually, allowing God to guide our steps. Esther's example encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing, knowing that He is always at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events for His purposes. By aligning our actions with His will, we can move forward with confidence and clarity. [23:05]

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV): "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

Reflection: Consider a decision you are currently facing. How can you incorporate prayer and spiritual preparation into your decision-making process today?

Day 4: Courage and Faith in Action

Esther's willingness to risk her life for her people exemplifies the courage and faith we should aspire to have. Her story encourages us to take bold steps of faith, trusting that God will guide and protect us. In moments of fear and uncertainty, we are called to rely on God's strength and to act with courage, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. Esther's faith in God's provision and protection serves as a powerful reminder that when we step out in faith, God is faithful to meet us and to accomplish His purposes through us. [26:55]

Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you need to act with courage and faith. What step can you take today to trust God and move forward boldly?

Day 5: Shifting Gears and Trusting God's Timing

Just as Esther had to shift from neutral to action, we too must be ready to move when God calls us. Life's challenges may strain us, but God provides the guidance and strength we need to shift gears and move forward. We are encouraged to trust in God's timing and to seek His direction in all our endeavors. By remaining attuned to His voice, we can navigate life's transitions with grace and confidence, knowing that He is leading us on the path He has prepared for us. Esther's story reminds us that when we align our actions with God's will, we can experience His peace and provision in every season. [31:28]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: Reflect on a challenge you are currently facing. How can you trust in God's timing and seek His guidance to move forward with confidence today?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we come before God with humility, acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking His forgiveness. We are reminded of the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, which purifies us from all unrighteousness. With grateful hearts, we thank God for His daily provisions and the privilege of worship. Our focus is on giving thanks in all circumstances, as this is God's will for us in Christ Jesus.

We delve into the story of Esther, a tale of influence, insight, and inclusion. Esther, a queen with influence, is faced with a dire situation where the Jews are threatened with annihilation. Despite her position, she initially remains in neutral, contemplating her next move. Her story teaches us the importance of timing and listening to God's guidance rather than rushing into action. Esther's decision to fast and seek divine intervention highlights the power of spiritual preparation before making significant decisions.

The narrative of Esther is a reminder that God is always at work, even when His name isn't explicitly mentioned. We are encouraged to recognize the influence God has given us and to use it wisely for His glory. Esther's courage to risk her life for her people exemplifies the kind of faith and insight we should aspire to have. Her story is a testament to the importance of waiting on God's timing and having the courage to act when the moment is right.

As we reflect on Esther's journey, we are reminded of the importance of being in tune with God's will. Just as Esther had to shift from neutral to action, we too must be ready to move when God calls us. Life's challenges may strain us, but God provides the guidance and strength we need to shift gears and move forward. We are encouraged to trust in God's timing and to seek His direction in all our endeavors.

Key Takeaways

1. Acknowledging Our Shortcomings: We come before God, recognizing our missteps and seeking His forgiveness. This humility allows us to experience the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, which purifies us from all unrighteousness. It's a reminder that despite our failures, God's grace is sufficient to restore us. [00:51]
2. The Power of Influence: Esther's story teaches us about the influence we possess and how it can be used for God's glory. Even when God's name isn't mentioned, His presence is evident in our lives. We are encouraged to recognize our influence and use it to make a positive impact in the world. [22:25]
3. Timing and Insight: Esther's decision to fast and seek God's guidance before approaching the king highlights the importance of timing and spiritual preparation. We are reminded to wait on God's timing and to seek His insight before making significant decisions. [23:05]
4. Courage and Faith: Esther's willingness to risk her life for her people exemplifies the courage and faith we should aspire to have. Her story encourages us to take bold steps of faith, trusting that God will guide and protect us. [26:55]
5. Shifting Gears in Life: Just as Esther had to shift from neutral to action, we too must be ready to move when God calls us. Life's challenges may strain us, but God provides the guidance and strength we need to shift gears and move forward. We are encouraged to trust in God's timing and to seek His direction in all our endeavors. [31:28]
** [31:28]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:51] - Seeking Forgiveness
[01:26] - Gratitude for Daily Provisions
[04:27] - Thanksgiving in All Circumstances
[07:04] - Community and Support
[15:01] - Giving Our Best to God
[17:30] - Introduction to Esther
[18:51] - Characters in Esther's Story
[19:37] - The King's Festive Atmosphere
[22:25] - Esther's Influence
[23:05] - The Power of Fasting
[24:01] - God's Presence in Esther
[26:55] - Esther's Courage and Faith
[28:08] - Insight and Timing
[31:28] - Shifting Gears in Life
[35:31] - Trusting God's Guidance

Sermon Clips

1. "But we determined even then that the reason that we get stuck in neutral so often is because we make excuses. About what we can't do. But aren't you glad that God comes along and he makes provisions. He gives us what we don't have. Amen? And then in the midst of that, he also promotes us. God is a mighty good God. So from Jeremiah to Esther, we meet someone who takes a different approach when they're stuck in neutral." [17:30] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Esther is already wearing the crown as queen, and she has influence. She has the king's ear. Mordecai tips Esther off about the ploy. Esther stayed in neutral for this matter. She didn't shift yet. You would have said, Esther, I would just go to the king right now. And lay it out. But every now and then, you must listen to what God is saying as opposed to someone else. Had we listened to everyone else, we would be in a world of trouble because we would shift too soon. And she had the influence. Amen? That she said, I need for you to fast. That if you do this, and I'll do with my attendants, we believe that sin... Something powerful is going to happen." [23:05] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "God has given you and I influence in the world and among the people of faith in general. Don't play yourself short. Amen? Don't let your resume confuse you. You are somebody. And God can use you to make things happen, and he will always get the glory. I mean, Esther was in the right place. Had never even revealed that she was a Jew, but she knew that coming to the king's court without being invited, man, that was a death penalty. You see now why she couldn't shift? right away you see now while she played her cards just right." [24:01] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Esther had influence but she also had insight the rest of that verse says when this is done when what is done when the fast is done i will go to the king even though it's against the law even though i could get killed it was a risk but she says if i perish i perish so be it isn't that a strong faith that the insight that you have that yes i've asked you to fast but now i'm gonna think this thing through that she goes to the king lets him in on the plot and it was all about timing timing is everything isn't it time to shift leave this what about next week no anybody had to wait on the lord in a situation that you were so sure you had your mind made up i'm gonna do it regardless because the lord told me Well, wait, wait, hold on. Gain some insight before you and I move ahead." [26:55] (80 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "God has given you the insight, but we must allow him to guide our hands. And to guide our hearts. Letting us know when. Let to shift out of neutral. Jesus with his disciples in John 4. You know, he was heading to Samaria, but he stops in a small town off the beaten path. And there he meets a woman at the well. His disciples are so hungry. They're starving. They go into town and get something to eat and come back and say, you know what? Did you get anything? Did anyone bring you anything? You know about the situation. At the well, he meets the woman and tells everything she knows. She has something about you that's different. He has seen our whole hand, too. You know, yes, he has." [28:08] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "But when you drive a stick shift, it will let you know when it's time to shift. The engine will start whining. It'll let you know it's time for you to do something. It's time to shift. The engine is straining because it's waiting for you to go to the next gear. And in life, you may be going through something, stuck in neutral, and there's a strain on your life. But I stop by to tell you today that God is saying to you, put your foot on the gospel clutch and begin to shift. Amen. And that's the good news today. That there's something that's caused you to be. To be under strain and to be stressed today." [31:28] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "I'm so glad today because in the midst of so many missteps, I've blown it a time or two. I'm glad that the Lord knew that when I shifted out of order, that he put me back in the right place. Anybody know what it means to be in cruise control? Because once you hit the fourth gear or the fifth gear, then you can roll on down the road. But I thank the Lord today that he has put me in a position that I can hear when the strain is coming. And I know I've got to have a little talk with Jesus. And I've got to tell him all about my struggles. Have you ever told him about your struggle? Have you ever told him about your situation today?" [33:15] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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