He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.
If you haven’t read the book of Esther, I encourage you to do so. First, because it’s in the Bible and reading the Bible is highly encouraged. Second, because there are some cool twists that come into play that make this story super interesting.
I don’t want to give anything away; but, there is a noteworthy part that I want to mention. A part that particularly hit home for me. It’s kind of a promise tagged in with a punch in the gut reality check.
God’s faithfulness is never in question. Our obedience is.
See what I mean?
God is always faithful! But, how often is my obedience in questions?
How often do I fail to trust God? How often am I unwilling to step out of my own agenda to fulfill His purpose?
More often than I care to admit.
But, this is where Esther excelled! God placed her in a position for a purpose and she had a choice to make. Was it an easy decision? No. She was risking her life and she was understandably reluctant at first. But, her uncle, encouraged her with these words…
You can either be an instrument of God’s faithfulness or He will choose someone else.
I paraphrased but that is the gist.
Her uncle, Mordecai, knew that God was always faithful. And God’s faithfulness was not in question. Esther’s obedience was.
Mordecai saw Esther’s position in the kingdom as a provision of God and an opportunity for Esther to be an instrument of God’s faithfulness to save the Jews (God’s people and Esther’s family). Mordecai said, “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such time as this?”
Esther obeyed. And she prepared her heart for the task by spending time in God’s presence fasting and praying.
Why?
Because she who kneels before God can go un-summoned before the king and find favor.
Do you believe God is faithful; but, still lack the courage to step out in obedience?
If so, I wan’t to encourage you to be like Esther. Spend time kneeling before the Lord and ask Him to prepare your heart and mind for His service. Surrender to His will and He will give you the power and courage to fulfill His purpose!
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