God's Will Will Be Done

We must put all in the hands of God. We need to wait for God’s timing and not try to make things work to our convenience or in our timing. We find God’s timing and His will in our lives by reading and studying his word and by setting a special time aside to be in his presence minus the world around us. God’s will will be done either through us or through someone else.

(Est 4:12-16 NLT) So Hathach gave Esther's message to Mordecai. Mordecai sent back this reply to Esther: "Don't think for a moment that you will escape there in the palace when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. What's more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?" Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: "Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I am willing to die."

I. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die.

1. Mordecai’s confidence for the Jews deliverance is based on God’s sovereignty in working out his purposes

a. Sovereignty - God’s absolute right to do all things according to his own good pleasure

(Dan 4:35 NRSV) All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does what he wills with the host of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth. There is no one who can stay his hand or say to him, "What are you doing?"

(Rev 4:11 NRSV) "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."

b. deliverance for the Jews will arise from some other place

1. Even when if Esther had decided not to follow God’s will, she would not have interrupted or stopped God’s plans

(1 Tim 6:15 NRSV) which he will bring about at the right time-- he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

II. What's more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?"

1. How can we find out what the purpose of our position is?

a. "Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.

1. Prayer usually accompanied fasting and was presumably part of this fast as well

(Judg 20:26 NRSV) Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went back to Bethel and wept, sitting there before the LORD; they fasted that day until evening. Then they offered burnt offerings and sacrifices of well-being before the LORD.

also - Isa 7:6and 58:3, 2 Sam 12:16, Ezra 8:21-23, Neh 9:1-3, Jer 14:12,

When we are in turmoil, let us be at peace with God, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance. All our concerns about ourselves, our families, others and our duty, by prayer need to be committed to God.

b. My maids and I will do the same

And, on some occasions, we should decline advantages which are within our reach, lest we should cause others to stumble. In times of difficulty and danger, it is best to set a time apart for private and/or social prayer.

(Joel 1:14 NRSV) Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.

Omission of any reference to prayer shows a God who has been active throughout - God’s sovereign rule is accepted at every point

III. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I am willing to die."

1. Esther must exercise her individual responsibility

(Psa 37:7 NRSV) Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices.

a. Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for the good of His purpose.

b. Let us ask wisdom of God, that we may know how to use or to refuse lawful things.

1. (Isa 54:14 NLT) You will live under a government that is just and fair. Your enemies will stay far away; you will live in peace. Terror will not come near.