#First21/Day 4 - Decisions, decisions, decisions

Day Four

In the very well known story of Esther, we find Esther in the crux of having to make a serious decision. You see, by law, no one was to approach the king without being asked. Doing so would risk being put to death. But Esther's Uncle Mordecai, reminds her of her purpose in the kingdom: “… 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 NIV)

Esther knew, of course, that going to the king unsolicited could be her death sentence. So what does she do? Before making a life or death decision, she calls for the Jewish people to join her on a 3-day fast. Following the fast she put on her best royal robes, approached the king, and told him of Haman's plot against her people. The Jewish people were saved, Haman was hanged on the same gallows that had been prepared for Mordecai, and Esther received Haman’s estate.

Even though things weren't easy for her, Esther did the wisest thing any of us could do and should do...she prayed and fasted. Esther was faced with a deeply frightening decision. But, she was right where she needed to be at the right time...in the center of God's providential will. Despite her fear, Esther sought God and because of the wisdom in that decision, Esther was weaved into the history of saving the nation.

Esther understood the greater good and risked her life on behalf of the Jews. God appointed Esther to be in Susa at that specific time to rescue her people from the potential destruction. A bold girl who wisely sought the Lord, in the right place at the right time, saved an entire nation from annihilation.

Aren’t you glad that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours? He does things in His plan and timing and not ours. And more importantly, when we seek Him in our decisions, He gives us wisdom, courage and favor to accomplish that which He leads us to do.

When you are seeking direction for decisions, you need to follow Esther's example. First, Esther fasted and prayed. You need extended time alone with God. I encourage you to take this time of consecrated prayer and fasting to fix a 'set time' with God. Whether it's an hour, half a day or extended days. You won't hear God's call on your life if you don't get alone with him.

Secondly, Everyone needs a Mordecai! In the story of Esther, Mordecai represents the Holy Spirit. We all need someone who is filled with the Holy Spriit of God and is able to see the 'big picture' and speak into our lives and remind us and refocus us and redirect us to the call for which God has apprehened us. Esther had Mordecai and the Jews pray for her. You need to get prayer partners to support you in prayer. If you don't have at least one person, now is the time to find one.

Remember, where God guides, HE provides. Place every decision in His Hands and He shall surely guide you in the way you should go! (Psalm 32:8)

Prayer Heavenly Father, Your Word says that you will perfect that which concerns me. Your mercy endures forever and you do not forsake the works of Your hands (Psalm 138:8).You always know exactly what You are doing. Open my eyes today to see the importance of Your Purpose in all that I do. Remind me that You are concerned with 'everything' that concerns me....nothing is too small or too big for You. You are infallible and you make no mistakes. You are a God of Purpose. You know where I am and where I am going. You know the decisions that I must make in this hour. Equip me with Your wisdom and Empower me to be bold enough to do that which You have called me to do! In Jesus' Name. Amen.