The story of Esther has so much to teach us! Here are words of encouragement from one of my favorite Bible heroes! Check out the outline below and the video above! Don’t miss the final message of this 8-week series tomorrow as we explore Rahab!
HEROES–Esther
(Hebrews 12:1) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
–>For when you are uncertain about your purpose…
“God has a place for you.”
(Esther 2:5-7) “Now there was a Jew who lived in the palace complex in Susa. His name was Mordecai the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish–a Benjaminite. His ancestors had been taken from Jerusalem with the exiles and carried off with King Jehoiachin of Judah by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon into exile. Mordecai had reared his cousin Hadassah, otherwise known as Esther, since she had no father or mother. The girl had a good figure and a beautiful face. After her parents died, Mordecai had adopted her.”
FINDING YOUR PLACE
- Finding your place requires great faith and courage.
(Esther 4:13-14) Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 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?
- Finding your place requires great focus on God.
(Esther 4:15-16) Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do.”
3. Finding your place requires great risk.
(Esther 4:16) I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.
FINAL WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
–>“When you don’t understand, stand firm.”
(Psalm 31:14-15) But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands.
–>“Along with God’s purpose for your life, God gives power.”
(Acts 10:38) God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power…he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
–>“When you know God is in control, it’s easier to take the next step.”
(Jeremiah 29:11) For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.