Days of Purim - God's Providence of Favor

"But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command brought by the eunuchs; therefore the king was furious and his anger burned within him." [Esther 1:12]

It was no mistake that King Xerxes' drunken mind influenced him to make such an inappropriate command..

Nor was it by chance that Vashti's queenly pride would not permit her to accept his undignified request.

"The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her Queen instead of Vashti." [2:17]

While Vashti had lost the king's favor - a daughter of The God of Israel, Esther, obtained even the king's love and the royal crown..

This repositioning of Hadassah, the Jewish maid as Esther, the Queen of Persia was also no coincidence!

There are many examples in the Bible of God moving on the hearts and minds of people to accomplish His plan and purpose.. Of His using the most unlikely to rescue and lead.

We see this happening in the story of Esther as He orchestrates the events that will once again deliver His people from the enemy, Haman.

And Mordecai told them to answer Esther:

"Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace anymore than all the other Jews." [4:13]

Esther had a choice to make:

Would she try and hide in the comforts of the palace - choosing only to see her new surroundings as a personal blessing from God?..

Or would she open her eyes and heart to the Bigger-Picture of His purpose for her coming to the kingdom for such a time as this? [4:14]

Then Queen Esther answered and said, "If I have found favor in your sight, O king, .. ..let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request." [7:3]

Esther choses God's Bigger-Picture and puts her life on the line (.. and if I perish, I perish!") at the chance of saving the lives of her countrymen. [4:16]

Esther's trust in the providence of God's favor and her bravery to act on it ensures the continued survival of the people from which The Messiah would come.. [9:1]

Look around..

*What is God orchestrating in your life today?

*How has He positioned you as an advantage to The Gospel and The Body of Christ?

His favor is for so much more than our personal comforts..

*Ask Him to open your eyes and your heart to the Bigger-Picture..

*Pray for opportunities and boldness to be used in your current situation to positively impact The Kingdom.

Coach Jody