For Such a Time As This

The Gospel Story 
For Such A Time As This 
Esther

What would it look like if I really lived like God was with me, God was for me and that God was at work all around me?

 A Heroic Story

““Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16, ESV)

There comes a time when you are called to Act boldly and Leave the results to God

Five Truths To Stand Firm Upon

1. God has divine Purposes that He is accomplishing in this world

2. Even when God seems Absent; He is Present and He is Working

3. God has chosen to work Through People to accomplish His purposes

4. God will accomplish His purposes even if we Refuse To Obey His will, When God isn’t permitted to rule, He Overrules

5. God’s plans are fulfilled in God’s Time

From Esther’s Story To Our Story

1. Remember that God Operates and I Cooperate

“this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” (Acts 2:23, ESV)

“for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13, ESV)

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

2. Pray more and Worry less

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7, ESV)

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16, ESV)

3. Speak with love and Boldness

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” (Ephesians 4:15, ESV)

“At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:3–6, ESV)

“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,” (Acts 4:29, ESV)

4. Reject Passivity; live Passionately

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13, ESV)

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” (Colossians 3:23, ESV)

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20–21, ESV)

Could it be that our lack of Guts is really a lack of Faith?

When did we start believing that Jesus died to keep us safe? He died to make us dangerous! The will of God is not an insurance plan. It’s a daring plan.

What would it look like if I really lived like God was with me, God was for me and that God was at work all around me? 

Making It Personal

• How can I regularly remind myself that even when God seems absent; He is present, and He is working?
• What would it look like if I really lived like God was with me, God was for me and that God was at work all around me?
• Which of the statements above do I need to internalize and live out by God’s enabling grace this week?
• Who can I share these truths with?

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