Encourages us to find purpose in our problems, persevere in adversity, and trust in God's promised deliverance, as illustrated in the story of Esther.
Good morning, dear church family. It's a joy to be gathered together in God's presence, isn't it? To be able to open our hearts and our minds to the truths of His word, and to find in it the strength and encouragement we need for the days ahead.
Today, we turn our hearts to the book of Esther, a story that is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. It's a story that reminds us that even in the midst of our problems, God has a purpose. It's a story that encourages us to persevere even when the path ahead seems perilous. And it's a story that assures us of God's promised deliverance.
Let's read together from Esther 4:14 and Esther 9:1.
"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 your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
"On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was to be carried out. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them." (Esther 9:1)
Esther's story begins with a problem: She was a young Jewish girl living in a foreign land, chosen to be the queen of a king who did not share her faith or her heritage. She was in a place of influence, but it was a place that came with its own set of challenges. She was living in a palace, but it was a palace that was filled with danger and uncertainty.
In the midst of her problem, Esther found a purpose: She realized that she was in her position for a reason. She was there to save her people. She was there to be a voice for the voiceless. She was there to stand up against injustice. She was there to be a beacon of hope in a time of despair.
Our problems are not pointless: They are not random occurrences that happen to us without any rhyme or reason. They are not obstacles that are meant to hinder us or hold us back. Rather, they are opportunities for us to discover our purpose. They are opportunities for us to grow, to learn, to mature, and to become the people that God has called us to be.
Our problems are not permanent: They are not situations that we are stuck in forever. They are not circumstances that we have to endure without any hope of change. Rather, they are seasons that we go through. They are periods of time that we experience. They are stages of life that we navigate.
Esther found hope: She realized that her situation was not permanent. She realized that she was not stuck in the palace forever. She realized that she had a hope and a future. She realized that she had a role to play in God's plan of deliverance.
Consider Esther's response when Mordecai, her cousin and guardian, informs her of the plot to annihilate the Jews ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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