Grace and Favor

O. T. #1106  "Grace and Favor"
Nov. 30, 2017
Summary of Esther
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight...
Esther 2:1a

LET IT GLOW
 
In this book, one of only two which are named after women, features Esther, a lovely, young Jewish girl who becomes queen of the most powerful empire of the world at that time, Persia. We see her bravery and faith as she risked her life whenever she approached the king without an invitation. Also, she named the enemy of her people, the Jews, who initiated the law to wipe out the chosen people of God. Thus, Haman was killed. Ether and her cousin Mordecai, who becomes the new prime minister, make  new edict which allowed the Jews to defend themselves.

The Jeremiah Study Bible, by David Jeremiah, writs of three themes in this book, which can be a backdrop for the life of the believer:

1. Divine Providence: It refers to God orchestrating the affairs of humanity by direct and indirect intervention and arrangement. The unlikely event of a modest, young Jewess being appointed queen of the most powerful nation on earth "for such a time" and purpose as Esther was, is a grand example. 
2. The Hiddenness of God: God purposely guides His people's steps even when they are unaware of it and when things don't make sense. But God has  a purpose in what He does in the life of those He loves.
3. Human Involvement: We are responsible  for walking though the doors the Lord opens. Mordecai and Esther stepped forward in faith without regard to their safety or reputation when they had opportunities. We see a balance between the will of God and the responsibilities of individuals.

During our walk of faith, are we looking for the divine providence of God, His hidden agenda and purpose for our life?
Are we thanking Him for our life and breath today?
Whatever our place in this world, God can use us to share His salvation message and to stand against the wrong.
Are we open, available, and ready to be used to do what others are afraid even to consider?

LET IT GROW

Haman had gallows built on which he planned for Mordecai to hang and die. Haman's wife warned him to not get his hopes up, for he was on his way outta there.
Do we think the are gallows prepared for you? Does it take on the form of a job termination, a fractured relationship, illness or surgery, emotional stress, or sudden loss?

Swindoll gives us some good advice: I have good news. Be still... deliberately pause and discover that God is God. Stoop reaching back into your own treasure of security. Stop trying to pull the strings yourself. Stop manipulating people and situations. Stoop making excuses for your irresponsibilities. Stop ignoring reality. Stop rationalizing your way through life.
Be quiet. The immortal, invisible, all-wise God, hid from your eyes, is at work. Listen. Be convinced that He is at work amid the gallows of your life.

Dear ones, let us be a woman (or man) of strength and dignity and faith, as Esther was.  One day, an ordinary day, will become a extraordinary day. Be ready for such  time as this for us to move, obeying by faith. Our gallows can become grace on which  we deny our self, take up our cross, and follow Jesus.
As Esther found grace and favor in the sight of he king, Xerses, so let us be humble before our King Jesus to receive His grace and favor.