1 in 3 Americans don't believe in God.
We are living in a time where many are in despair. What are we going to do about it?
"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
Esther was from humble beginnings. She was an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai. She was blessed by God with beauty and grace. People loved her. Evil had taken control of the world -- all the Jews in Persia were to be executed. God placed Esther in the position as Queen of the Most Powerful Kingdom in the world.
“All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.” Esther 4:11
Esther said to Mordecai basically, What can I do? How many times do we say this? What can I do? The situation is too horrible.
Mordecai challenged her. Told her God placed her in her position for "such a time as this."
We too -- We are here because God put us there. In this time. In this place. There's something we are supposed to do. We are to do what God calls us to do.
So Esther acted because:
1. She had a teachable heart.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,"
2 Timothy 3:16
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5
Just ask God.
2. She had a heart of prayer.
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16a
She knew she couldn't do this on her onw. And we can't either. We must have hearts of prayer.
"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
Ask God, "what can I do?" He will tell you.
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10
3. She had a sacrificial heart.
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16
Learn + Pray = Do
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58
Get to work. Be strong in your work. Be a doer. Step out boldly in faith. Notice your own sphere of influence.
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." John 14:12
We are called. We each have gifts, talents and blessings to share.
We are called to bring truth to the world.
"This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:3-4
The work is not done yet.
We are called to bring hope to the world.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
There is a future!
We are called to bring life to the world where there is death.
"Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Hebrews 13:20-21