Wanting
to know what the future holds is a common struggle. But if we knew, would we
really relax and let it play out or would we try to orchestrate the events to
make it happen and end up ruining the outcome in the process? I think the
latter. That’s why we’re not God. God
certainly knows what He’s doing even when everything we see seems confusing.
In
2004 I was at an event where a speaker explored the book of Esther. The speaker
was Naomi Cox from NEWIM (Network of Evangelical Women in Ministry). Naomi had
these main points:
- What a difference a day makes (Faith)
- Protocol in the Palace (Waiting)
- Seek the Heart not the Kingdom (Favor)
- Honor Qualifies the Servant (Invitation)
In the book of Esther we watch her going from a poor Jewish
girl being raised by her uncle, to the Queen, to a most certain death, to commanding
decrees of the land. We also see some other people with note worthy stories
like Esther’s uncle and one of the kings advisors. They also have highs and
lows and confusing events to endure. But, only those that keep their actions
honorable and seek God’s direction make it to a happy end. And the happy end is
what we are all after, right? Naomi
helps us get there by providing a pathway based on the four points found in
Esther’s story. Let’s explore these with her… (to really get the most out of this short study you’ll need to read the
Book of Esther. It has 10 short
chapters. I read the whole thing in 20
minutes. Depending on how you think you can read it now then come back to the
blog to se thee meaning of the points, or read the blog then read the book to
see the meaning of the points.)
What a difference a day makes (Faith)
As we read through the story we see several times that the course for our
players can change very quickly. Reacting to circumstances instead of pausing
and letting faith work is the culprit for those that suffer living in a
circumstantial life. Faith bound people pause and know they are held in God’s
control and He will work out the situation to spite what they physically see. Like
the photo on this blog. Its not natural,
its funny, and it’s confusing… How did the squirrel even get on the bird? How did the bird take off? Did the bird agree
to this arrangement? We don’t know the answers but God does. Faith means you
know God knows and even though the outcome may be days away - a new day is
coming. We should be ready because He might do it in a way we wouldn’t have
considered and it might be tomorrow.
Protocol in the Palace (Waiting)
Throughout the story we see Esther strictly following the protocol of
the palace whether it be in the courts, with the other wives, or how she speaks
to the King. Some might see her as bending in weakness to the standards of men
but we should look upon her behavior as strength. It takes great personal discipline to show
self-control and honor the standards of men when you know who you are in God’s
eyes and you trust that God is in control. We also see this example from the
life of Jesus. He was God, after all,
but He became human and suffered, as we do, with all temptations. He could have zapped dead those that bothered
Him but instead He submitted to the path His Father designed even in the face
of man’s laws. Esther and Jesus only
broke away from man’s way when they were told by God it was time. Until then,
they waited.
Seek the Heart not the Kingdom (Favor)
Esther’s goal was not to have the kingdom a Queen would be due but to be
the person the King wanted to spend time with. She was even offered half of the
kingdom twice and, instead, asked for mercy on behalf of others. She gained the favor of the King because she put
aside a greedy self serving attitude and the King was impressed. We also see
that a counselor of the King set out to be mean and greedy and paid the price
of the King’s wrath. When we worry about the future and try to make things
happen for our own gain we put ourselves in God’s place as Lord of our lives. With
this self-serving plan, we will find a high cost at the end instead of the
favor of the King.
Honor Qualifies the Servant (Invitation)
The Queen hid her Jewish heritage from the King because she would have not
been considered worthy to be Queen. Esther was placed in positions along the
way to be considered for the open Queen slot so she could save her people later.
The future for her people looked pretty bleak and she knew she had to talk to
the King. In the story we learn that no one could just walk in and see the
King; you had to be invited. As Esther honored the King in her daily behavior
she honored God’s plan as well. Living a life of honor showed the King that she
was qualified to be Queen and she was invited into the inner court, which led
to Esther saving her people and completing God’s plan.
“Do your best to
present yourself to God as one approved, one who does not need to be ashamed,
and one who correctly handles the word of truth." 2nd Timothy 2:15 (NIV)
**Lord,
I want to honor you with my life. Even though I worry sometimes, I really do
believe you are in control and have the best planned. Give me the strength to
see beyond the circumstances to trust in you no matter what I see. Forgive me
for trying to make my own way work to get a kingdom for myself. I only want to please you and work to see
your plan completed. Use me as you need
to and speak to my heart as I seek yours.**
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