Esther Part 2

"He sent back this answer: Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape.  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 royal position for such a time as this."       Esther 4:13-14


I haven't been able to get Esther out of my mind all day.  I think it is so cool that as the Jewish people are celebrating Purim, the salvation of their nation and the hanging of Haman, Esther is still rescuing people today.  As annoyed as I was Monday, I am thankful for God's faithfulness.  I know that this morning (Tuesday), I was starting to feel sad, but I didn't allow myself to go there.  I got over it and had a good day at work.  Our self talk is so important, what we say to ourselves and allow our minds to dwell on.  (Romans 12: 1&2; Philippians 4:8)


I have been thinking about the part that is in bold.  I don't think that it is enough that we just be in our royal position, we actually have to step out and say something, do something, stand for something.  People aren't by osmosis going to on fall on their knees in repentance or whatever they need, simply because we are standing next them.  (wouldn't that be a sight!?)


God has placed the people, around us, in our lives for a reason and we are (vocationally, geographically, etc.) where we are for a reason.  That means we need to stand up and bring "relief and deliverance" to those around us or God will send someone else to reach them.  


My biggest desire is to be that tool that God can depend on, that when He reaches for me ~ I am ready.
That means that I need to keep my heart pure, my ears open and be looking for where God is moving.
A good server in any restaurant anticipates what the customers need and has it ready for them.  Always looking ahead and being conscience of what is going on at the table, will determine your readiness and the care you can give.  


If we are not obedient to what God is saying and stepping out, God will find someone else.  I don't want to get to heaven and see all the opportunities that I missed because of fear, ignoring or not hearing God, or being too busy to be useful in the Hands of God.  


We need to be willing to pay the cost to answer His call.  Esther did.  Jesus did.  Every single person we read about in the Bible paid something.  We are not special in that way, we are not exempt or get a free pass.  


There is still a battle going on to destroy God's people, saved or not.  Who will be the ones to stand up and bring relief and deliverance?  I want to!  Who am I to pick where and how that looks?  A tool is a tool.  There's a reason God put that scripture in the Bible that talks about not thinking too highly of yourself.  We have a habit of doing that.


I pray that whatever we do, wherever we go, we will be the ones to stand up and be "Esther" to what is happening around us.  


Be blessed and strengthened today!


Have a fab day!
All my love, 
Jodi xoxo