“Such A Time As This”

When God uses you he also speaks to you.

Oftentimes the Lord will use repetition to make known the importance of something. Even in our educational system we utilize repetition to make sure children retain what they are taught. Revisiting the thought, when God uses you, he also speaks to you…

Have you ever experienced something that felt like there was a bigger picture, more to what was going on and you stopped for a moment to say to yourself “okay Lord what are you doing?” If the answer is yes that means that you were being used in the circumstance, but he’s also got a plan for you to receive a message as well. How can you tell what you are supposed to learn? Well, that requires you to get into the word and seek the Lord. You may need to fast to be in a focused environment with the Lord. When you feel the presence of the Lord firmly it is an indication to draw near. Go into a study mode, go into a thirst for knowledge mode, and the message will be revealed to you. What is on your heart today and what are you feeling? How is God showing up in what you’re feeling right now? What keeps happening over and over? Lean into the message don’t avoid it because you may continue to wonder what’s happening or miss what was intended for you.

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF ESTHER

Book of Esther

Esther spent her life learning the art of obedience. Esther was left into the care of her cousin Mordecai after she was orphaned. After the King divorced Queen Vashti, he sent for young women to come to court so that he could marry. Mordecai sent Esther to court, which was a cultural norm during those times. She was favored, and the King chose Esther.

She did not disclose her nationality, a Jew (as instructed by Mordecai) because at that time it was very dangerous. Queen Esther was groomed to live at court with King Ahasuerus following the rules of the Persian ruler. However, Mordecai overheard guards plotting to assassinate the King. Esther informed the King, and he had the guards killed. After that, another situation happened. Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman, one of the highest Persian nobles and for that Haman conspired to kill not only Mordecai but all the Jews. At this climatic moment, Mordecai pleaded with Esther to inform the King to save their people. It was against the rules of court to appear to the King’s throne to speak unless the gold scepter was pointed toward you. Esther had the favor of the Lord and the King listened to Esther (after she fasted for 3 days) to approach the King. The book of Esther ends with the Lord saving the Jews through the obedience of Esther and her sacrificial posture to put others before herself. These are the qualities that we see in Esther’s account a heart of service and obedience.

When something happens and God exalts you to fulfill his will for his people, it is important to realize not only your duty to the call but obedience. Esther could have become Queen and got caught up in the lifestyle of living in a Persian court. She did not forget who she was and who exalted her. Next, we must remember that as Christians we are in service to God and his people. Esther could have been all about herself and conspiring different ways to continue to elevate herself through greed. Instead, she risked her life for the Jewish people.

What is on your heart? Where is God elevating or calling you in your life? How will you respond? Who are you in service to help for the sake of Christ? God’s favor upon your life is not so that you may receive all the desires of your heart. It is so that you may serve the Kingdom of God and be a representation of Christianity in the world. Be obedient to the Lord and he will bless you. Be of service to mankind by focusing less on yourself and more on how to be a servant to God and his people.

Prayer Heavenly Father provide in me a spirit of obedience when I am called to higher positions or even simply called upon by others, help me not make it about myself. Help me oh God to be used by you that your will shall come to pass. Help me Father teach, inspire, encourage, and uplift. Help me to have humility that I may seek your wisdom and not my own, that I may speak only what is the truth of your word. Help me Lord that where you take me I will always pay it forward and honor you with serving others to the best of my ability. It is never about me Father as you elevate me to higher ground, it will forever be for your glory. ~ Amen