"...follow the example of those who are going to inherit
God’s promises because of their faith and endurance."
Hebrew 6:12
God’s promises because of their faith and endurance."
Hebrew 6:12
Today's Scripture Text: Book of Esther
- Have you ever felt like God has put you on hold?
- Have you ever been in a place where everything is going great and suddenly - WHAM! - an obstacle gets in your way?
- Have you ever been in a place where you just don't know what to do?
Life Lesson #1 - Even if Others Give You No Chance, God has a Great Plan for You!
Everybody goes through stuff but God still has a plan - to prosper you and not harm you; God has a hope-filled future for you - Jeremiah 29:11 Even if you think He's done alot for you, there is more in store for you. But you need to understand one thing before you can step into what God has for you...
Life Lesson #2 - Preparation Always Precedes Opportunity - Esther 2:23
God’s Plan Requires Preparation. Just because you are called, it doesn't mean you are already adequately prepared. And without preparation, you will not make it. You need to get all the training required because lives are at stake. You may have heard accurately from God about your call and your future but you have to get both the knowledge and the maturity to handle the call. You may have the practical training, but you may still require a season of maturing. Don't get frustrated in the preparation season. The greater the calling, the greater the season of preparation. Stay in the process.
Life Lesson #3 - Preparation Will Require Us to Listen to Godly Instruction
Esther followed the instruction Mordecai had raised her with; she also took instruction from the eunuch. She remained humble as she followed wise counsel. God has put godly people around you to help mature & direct you. You need to walk in wisdom and you will receive favour. Fools find no favour!
Life Lesson #4 - Our Preparation is For God’s Purpose - Esther 4:13-14
It is not about us. It is about God's call on your life. Fulfillment of your call will arise from another place if you don't realize this. God desires you but does not require you.
You have come to the Kingdom for such a time as this!
When an athlete prepares themselves, it is so they will see victory for them and their entire team. God has placed you somewhere to see victory, but victory requires preparation. Don't be surprised if what God does doesn't look like what you expected.
Life Lesson #5 - Fast & Pray & God Will Make a Way! - Esther 4:15-17
Godly preparation requires prayer and many times, also fasting. This will give you the ability to put your total trust in God!
Life Lesson #6 - Serving God Will Require You to Be Bold! - Esther 4:16; Esther 5:1
Esther's confidence came from fasting and praying. Every step she took required boldness. We need this same boldness to take the steps required to get the victory God has called us to.
CHALLENGE: Are there things you feel God has called you to? Are you feeling anxious about the call? Are you prepared enough to answer the call today? If not, don't worry. Just listen to godly instruction from those God has put over your life. There is safety in the multitude of counsel. Enter into a time of preparation so that you can answer the call with boldness and confidence. God desires to empower you to make a difference but it must be His power working in and through you that fulfills the call. Lives and destinies are at stake; you need to be fully equipped by the Spirit of God to see the manifestation of the results that God intended.
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Pastor Pam's message this Sunday was encouraging to me. Sometimes when we go thru that preparation process, we can get a bit tired and discouraged and if not careful, we can quit before God finishes what He wants to do in our lives as He moves us forward. I was reminded to stay focus, remain humble and faithful as God completes what He begun in me. It's all good!
ReplyDeleteSunday's are awesome. God teaches us valuable lessons from the lives of people in the bible. Like Esther, we need to stay humble, and listen to Godly instruction. Remember, God can use anyone, so don't think more highly of yourself than you should. God is looking to work through submitted people.
ReplyDeleteThank for reminding us Pastor Pam, that people need us to stay faithful and submissive to the purposes of God.
ReplyDelete