Our heroes in the Bible were people just like us. They asked the same questions and had no way to prepare for the crises they had to deal with--but they bet everything that God would guide and provide if they trusted and obeyed. We have the same opportunities they had today--and the Holy Spirit living in us! Live strategically.
Series: Ultimate Authority: For Such A time As This
Speaker: John Pryor
Notes:
Our Bible heroes were people just like us. They asked the same questions and struggled the same ways we do. They only became iconic symbols of faith because they bet everything that God would guide and provide if they trusted and obeyed. They did, and He did!
Esther 1-3, Hebrews 11-12
At “such a time as this,” team up with God and others. Mordecai mobilized God's people to fast and pray—then he mobilized them again when Esther asked him to. When they couldn't be together, they used a messenger to make sure they still communicated.
Esther 4
We must focus on today. Life happens in a series of real-time moments and choices. Setting our minds on God, truth, and good things allows us to see and handle reality better. Focusing on the past, bad stuff, or ourselves makes us miserable and easily manipulated.
Esther 5-8, Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 4:4-9
We must take responsibility for our own choices. Mordecai and Esther did not feel prepared or know how things would end, but they trusted God and each other, fasted and prayed for each other, and always told the truth. They submitted to authority but not to “destiny.”
Esther 9-10
God guides and provides when we trust and obey. God is always working, even when we can't sense His presence, and we are always on duty, even when everything seems crazy or on hold. We must serve with humble courage, teaming up to play each of our parts well.
Proverbs 3:5-6, Colossians 3:17,23
Lord, I will…