When the Wheels Turn in a Different Direction

O. T. #1101 "When the Wheels Turn in a Different Direction" 
Nov. 21,2017
Esther 8-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Just last week we had an appointment with our insurance agent. My husband had signed up for Medicare, so it was time for us to look at the new options for our medical coverage. He thought he remembered the way to the insurance office, but then it did not turn out that way. He had to make call for the address and I Googled the directions. Yeah, our wheels had to turn in a different direction for us to reach to our destination. And that we did, too.
Now, I can say the same thing has happened to us before, metaphorically speaking. We were on the road of ministry when suddenly things happened and we were turned to serve in a different place. God can change our direction, turning the wheels suddenly. We needed to be willing to be turned.
Things certainly changed in the Persian palace, too. Take a peak with me.

Even though King Xerxes gave Esther and Mordecai the house of Haman, that did not spare the Jews at all. Things were still no better for them than before Haman's death. The edict was still in place to kill the Jews on that day in December. Look at what Esther asked the king in verse 6:

How can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

So the king instructed the queen and her cousin:

• to immediately order a new decree;
• with free hand to write its wording;
• keeping in mind of the Persian law which says no decree signed and sealed with his ring could never be revoked.

Here's the pen, so write an overriding edict. Can you imagine the excitement and relief upon Esther after such a time as this? She had sacrificed her own life to go before the king without an invitation, making the accusation of Haman being the one who instigated the upcoming of the annihilation of the Jews, and then asking the request for another law saving the Jews. Esther's pleas were granted by the king.

Friends, when God gets the wheels turning, things change quickly and often in an entirely different direction.  He can move people and circumstances to accomplish His will. God can answer our prayers. It may take time, but our faith must not waver. There is no wall so thick that God can't penetrate, as we have seen happen in the king's heart.

Are you waiting on your pleas to be answered? Elizabeth, John the Baptist's mother, waited. So did Hannah, Prophet Samuel's mother. At the appointed time, both women were given sons, which was their plea. Let's take our hands off of the situation and give God control. Then we can give Him glory as we see Him working.

LET IT GROW

The new prime minister, Mordecai, got on it right away. The right of self-defense law was composed:

• The Jews could assemble and protect themselves against any armed force of any nationality who attacked. They were allowed to defend themselves.
• Its time of conflict was limited to just one day, the 13th of Adar.
• Also, the Jews could take the plunder and ownership of their attackers' possessions.
• Hundreds of copies in each language were issued in all 127 provinces throughout the Persian empire.
• It went out by mules and camels with great haste, being pressed for time, to carry out the king's command.
• Hope was spread to the Jews once again. (Swindoll said they had 9 months to prepare.)

Dear ones, we are pressed for time, so let us share the gospel of our Saving Savior and His salvation. Whether by mule or camel, plane or bus, or even foot, let us be faithful to take His mercy and grace and love to a dying world. The message is urgent. Jesus will be returning one day and time will be out.

Let us not be afraid of what another may write or speak against us. We live in the shelter Most High and We abide in the shadow of the Almighty as Psalm91:1 assures us.

When God steps in to rewrite the record, the results are amazing. (Swindoll)

LET IT GO

                                ...the control of the wheel of our life so God can turn us in His direction.
                                ... so God can bless us.
                                ... so my faith can grow.