What Do In Times Of Uncertainty

What To Do In Times Of Uncertainty

Esther 5

Several weeks ago, I asked the questions…

Have you ever wondered…

* Why did God put me in this position?

* How did or is God going to do this?

* How is this going to work out in the end?

* Where is God?

The whole idea is sometimes we wonder where God is…and we wonder if He is even at work in our lives

The was based on the fact God is not mentioned in the book of Esther and if we dig deep into this scripture we see God’s divine hand at work

Today we are going to answer the question, how to deal with times of certainty

A pastor wrote “I think of the countless times throughout our lives, when faced with life’s difficulties that we fear or grow unsure about what to do or how to react. So often there are no clear-cut choices to be made, times when we hesitate or hope the problem will go away. There are times when our challenges threaten our security, or our comfort levels, and we fear making the wrong decision – challenges that some of you face even today.”

We know from last week in Chapter 4, we find servants bowing to Haman (a prideful man of power – 2nd in power to the king)

Mordecai who is Esther’s cousin doesn’t give in to the bowing

When Haman finds out Mordecai isn’t bowing, he talks to the king about annihilating the Jews

Mordecai then challenges Esther (queen) to intercede and go the king

Verse 11

She says, I am not allowed to talk to the king…it could mean my life…she was in a time of desperation and uncertainty

What is fasting & prayer?

Fasting - went without food – going humbly before God – I can’t

Prayer - inviting God into your life and asking Him to intervene and intercede

Verse16

Esther’s Fasting and Praying (Proved 4 Things)

1. Esther Sought God For Direction

a. This was a way of saying God’s way is better than my way

b. It was her way of submitting to God

c. I wonder if her pray was something like this, “Father, I know now why you have made me queen, to rescue your children. I must face the king. God I don’t have the words, the strength…today I ask you to give me direction and assurance. I pray you will guide my thoughts. Instill in me your way.”

Do you need to seek direction from God this morning? If so, what way?

2. Esther Sought God For Strength

a. This was a way of saying God’s strength is better than my strength

b. It is through seeking, we find the abundant source of strength God offers for His children

c. 2Sa 22:33 God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Ps 62:7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Our strength is nothing compared to the strength of God – it fails us

Ps 38:10 My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me

Do you need to seek Strength from God this morning? If so, what way?

3. Esther Sought God For Provision

a. This was a way of saying God’s plan is better than mine

b. God sees the picture from afar off, more than we can imagine

c. Denver airport

Do you need to seek provision from God this morning? If so, what way?

4. Esther Sought God For Peace

In this case, I think of the word refuge – shelter from the storms of life

Ps 4:1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness; thou has enlarged (give relief) me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

Ps 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety – praying for refuge.

Jaden our son woke up one morning at 3 am. Screaming. It wasn't a scream of my diaper is wet or I am hungry. It was a scream of despair and panic. That night he slept with us. The next night as I was getting ready to lay him down in the crib, he latched on to me and I couldn't get him off. I finally gave up and brought him to bed again. After about an hour I was able to put him in his crib. The 3rd night started the same. Instead of fighting, we brought our 2 year to the living and prayed that God would give him peace of mind, comfort, God would touch Him, and that God had given us Jaden...Jaden is His child. Five minutes later, Jaden was asleep. God had given Jaden, a peace...only true peace comes from God.