The God Of Great Turnarounds Series

Introduction

Video Ill.: The Story of Esther - Second Look Films (segment 4)

We are continuing our study today based loosely on Max Lucado’s book, You Were Made for This Moment.

When we started, we saw that Esther and Mordecai just wanted to blend in — to be cosy in the Persian culture. Don’t stand out. Don’t be different. Just fit in.

But God has called us to be set apart — to be different — to be holy, because He is holy. Sometimes that means we have to make hard decisions in our lives.

A couple of weeks ago, we learned that we have to be prepared to make those tough decisions — we need to have a plan in place before the storm comes. We need God’s full armor to be able to stand firm when we are standing up for God. And maybe, just maybe, God has put us where we are because He has some purpose in mind for us. We were made for such a time as this.

Last Sunday, we saw that heaven is in motion — God is in control and active in our lives each and every day, even if we cannot see or understand what He is doing. God is there working, moving, exercising His will, working things out for our best situation because of His love for us.

https://www.factinate.com/things/facts-historys-unexpected-plot-twists/

This morning, most people love a good plot twist in a story. In an interesting article on factinate.com, the plot twist is the best part of any mystery, because right at the end when the one thing that nobody predicted would happen happens. The author writes, “A plot twist, done well, elevates a story from merely good to great.”

They share the stories of some of what they deem some of history’s greatest plot twists. Consider these:

King Louis XVI requested proposals for a more humane method of execution than the customary and horrific breaking wheel. Being an amateur locksmith, he even recommended some refinements to the winning invention, the Guillotine. In an ironic twist, Louis himself would enjoy the benefits of his refinements just one year later!

Of all the stories of Darius the Great’s convoluted rise to power, one stands out: When the Persian king Cambyses II passed away, leaving his brother Bardiya on the throne, Darius and a crew of conspirators killed Bardiya. Or so it appeared. Caught literally redhanded over the king’s body, Darius had to think quick. His explanation? That really wasn’t the king.

Darius claimed that who everyone thought was Bardiya was really an evil wizard named Gaumata, who transformed himself to look like Bardiya and stole the throne after Cambyses killed the real Bardiya. Darius explained, “So you see, I actually saved the kingdom.” And the Persians bought it! Darius was crowned king the next morning.

For you American history buffs, this one was interesting — As many folks know, Alexander Hamilton was killed by his long-time political rival, Aaron Burr. Following that fatal duel, Burr went on to live an eventful life. He attempted to conquer parts of the Southwest US and Mexico and declare himself king. Then, he traveled the world fleeing creditors. Eventually he was thrown out of England, and refused entry into France by Napoleon himself.

His life was one get-rich-quick scheme after another, each one failed, none of them erasing his reputation as the murderer of one of the United States’ most respected founding fathers.

Burr would wind down his life by returning to the United States and marrying wealthy socialite Eliza Jumel at the age of 77.

The marriage soon headed south. It only took Burr four months to burn through most of her fortune, prompting her to file for divorce. Her lawyer? In an ironic twist of fate, it was none other than an up and coming attorney named Alexander Hamilton, Jr.

The divorce trial lasted two years, six times longer than the marriage itself. The case finally closed on September 14, 1836, the day Aaron Burr died.

A good plot twist makes the story interesting, grabs our attention, and makes us desire more.

The Bible is full of amazing plot twists, unexpected outcomes, and surprise endings.

Esther chapters 6 - 9 are filled with plot twists that would rival even the best Hollywood movie. And, in the end, good triumphs over evil.

With the plot twists, irony, and surprise endings we see, it makes us look at our own lives and we begin to wonder about our own struggles.

How long will you let this go on God?

Have you ever thought that?

I have.

I guarantee at some point in your life, you have thought that too.

You Were Made for This Moment

Max Lucado

© 2021

pp. 114

Max Lucado, though, says, “Our God is a just God. Nothing escapes Him. No one escapes Him. The wicked will not win.”