4 principles learned from the book of esther

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4 Principles Learned From the Book of

Esther

By Ron Edmondson

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I love the story of Esther. If you havent read it lately, you can do so HERE.

Here are the four principles Ive observed from the story of Esther.

1. God has a special plan for your life.

Esther was placed in a royal position, not by chance, but for a purpose.

Reminds me of one of my favorite verses. Proverbs 16:9, In his heart a man plans his course, but the

Lord determines his steps.

God didnt make a mistake in where He has you today. I think we spend too long in our life trying to

figure out where God wants us to be or wishing we were somewhere else, instead of just allowing God

to do something with our life where we are, while waiting for more to come.

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2. Sometimes you will have to go against common sense, against what others advise, even

against what you want to do, in order to follow Gods plan.

Esther would have to approach the king, though she didnt have permission. This could have meant

certain and sudden death for her since it was even against the law to approach the king. Esthers

response: If I perish, I perish!

Sometimes Gods will makes perfect sense, as you examine your experience. (I wrote about that

HERE.) That doesnt mean, however, that you wont be required to take risks for God. The best things

in life often come with the greatest risks. The degree of difficulty is not an indication that God is not in

it. In fact, the opposite would be closer to truth.

3. The time to follow Gods plan is now.

I find Esther 4:14 interesting. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews

will arise from another place, but you and your fathers family will perish. And who knows but that you

have come to royal position for such a time as this?

We mostly consider that last part of the verse, but notice the Who knows? Its a question. They

werent sure. They knew she was in the position as queen. She had opportunity to see the King. They

knew God wanted to save the people. They knew for whatever reason Esther had been made aware of

the plan. But did they know for sure thats what Esther was supposed to do? Apparently not! They

went without being 100 percent certain. Who knows?

There will be times in your life when youve gathered all the information you can, youve prayed as

well as you know how, youve sought godly counsel; whatever you are doing is not sinful but there

is something inside of you thats still not sure. You can sleep on it. Thats something I always do.


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Esther waited three days, but at some point you just have to muster the courage to move forward.

Without all the answers, are you ready to step out and walk by faith? Dont be afraid to allow God to

determine the outcome.

4. Trusting in God completely brings great rewards.

Esther 8:17In every province and in every city, wherever the edict of the king went, there was joy

and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities

became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.

Esther saved a nation. Her obedience saved Gods people from destruction! The reward for obedience

was even better than expected. Esther went before the king prepared for the worst case scenario

she got the very best! Many people became followers of God! The people were inspired by the faith of

one woman and one man that everything changed in that nation.

It will always prove profitable in the long run to obey God. When others see us living in radical

obedience, obedience that makes no sense, theyll want some of what we have. The world around you

is looking for answers, trying to figure out how to make life work. We may not have all the answers,

but we know about a God who does.

When was the last time you asked, God what do You want to do through my life? Are you ready to

walk by faith?

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Ron Edmondson is a pastor and church leader passionate about planting churches, helping established

churches thrive, and assisting pastors and those in ministry think through leadership, strategy and life.

Ron has over 20 years business experience, mostly as a self-employed business owner, and he's been

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helping church grow vocationally for over 10 years.

More from Ron Edmondson or visit Ron at http://www.ronedmondson.com/

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4 principles learned from the book of esther

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