| GOD HAS A PLACE FOR YOU |
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Everyone knows the story of Esther . If ever there was someone with a strong sense of place and destiny, it is Esther. However, for many of her years, she did not realize that God had a special place for her to serve him. Esther lived during a time when the Hebrews had been taken from their homeland and exiled to Persia. She suffered many hardships in her life, but she also received a rare opportunity. When King Ahasuerus of Persia sought a new queen, all the most beautiful young, unmarried women in the land were brought together and prepared to be presented to him. That included Esther, even though she was Jewish - a fact she did not share with others.
It looked as if Esther's life was destined for a happy, storybook ending. But then an official named Haman in the king's court plotted to have all the Jews in the entire kingdom executed - simply because of a grudge he held against Mordecai. When Mordecai discovered the plan, he sought Esther's help. To save their people, Mordecai wanted her to appeal to the king.
Have there been times when you felt you weren't where you belonged? People often feel that way. Sometimes we lack close relationships with others. Other times we question our ability to do the job required of us. We simply feel out of place. We fear that we will never feel at home. Esther understands. All her life she felt out of place, having been dislocated from her family, culture and country. But she encourages us with these words: "No place is out of place when you're in God's place."
Mordecai's request of her was no small one. For Esther to try to make a difference for her people, she would need great courage. At the time, if anyone who had not been summoned by the king appeared before him - and he wasn't pleased - that person would be executed. For thirty days Ester had not been called to go before the king. If she went to him on her own, she would be risking her life. Because she did not yet understand that God had uniquely placed her where He wanted her in order to accomplish His will, she at first refused. Scripture says,
4:13 Then Mor'decai told them to return answer to Esther, "Think not that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. 4:14 For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, 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?"
Mordecai's words changed the way Esther felt about herself. For the first time, she realized that God had a place for her. Her hestitation was replaced with direction. Her questions were dissolved with newfound convictions. She was ready to take action. Scripture describes her immediate response:
4:15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mor'decai, 4:16 "Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish."
Courage and initiative come when you understand your purpose in life. God not only has a place for us; He has placed us where He needs us. The decision is ours as to whether we will do what we can where we are.
For a period of time, you may not understand God's planning and purpose for your life.
If you are in a season of life where you don't yet understand God's plan, take heart. Just because you don't comprehend God's plan for your life doesn't mean He doesn't care or doesn't have one. Have FAITH and remain OBEDIENT to Him.
When you realize God's purpose for your life, you feel empowered.
When Mordecai explained to Esther that God might have made her queen just to save his people, her heart soared and it steeled her resolve. When the time comes that you recognize a call of God on your life, it will fire you to action - even in the face of opposition or danger.
Taking a risk is easier when you know God is in control.
When Esther said to Mordecai, 'If I perish, I perish,' She wasn't being fatalistic. She was placing herself in God's hands, knowing that even death is something that can be faced with confidence when you trust God. Not only does God have a place for us here on earth, He also has one prepared for us in heaven.
ESTHER'S PRAYER FOR US
Heavenly Father,
Allow my friends to look beyond adversity or feeling of insecurity to see Your greater purpose. Empower them to take joy in the place where You have put them, take comfort in the knowledge that You are in charge, and take action to fulfill the purpose for which You have called them.
AMEN
excerpt from:
Running with the Giants by John Maxwell.
I encourage each of you to read this small but powerful book....................
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