PRAYER†FORCE
5/31/10

Chapter 20 – “The Queen of Beauty and Courage” this weekend at Crossroads in our journey through the chronological Bible. It is The Story of Esther, who won a beauty contest, married a king, lived in a palace, uncovered a plot to exterminate the Jewish people and was used by God to save them. Her story illustrates the importance of being in the right place, and being influenced by the right people. So:

1] Where you are today is no accident. Mordecai, Esther’s mentor, challenged her with the words, “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther’s life plan did not include being a queen. But, once she was, she had to decide how she would use her position to advance God’s purpose. The Psalmist has written, “My times are in Your hand.” [Ps. 31:15] None of us can know perfectly where life will take us. We don’t get to choose our times/circumstances. But, one thing we can do is accept and then evaluate our situation and use what we have, where we are, to honor Him and extend his loving reign in the lives of others.

2] God uses special people to guide us. Without Mordecai in her life Esther might never have understood her calling. And without his help she might never have embraced it. So, who is your Mordecai? Do you have a spiritual advisor, a godly mentor? Who, in your life, loves you enough to correct you when you get off track or strengthen you when you want to give up? Not one of us is a composite of all of life’s virtues; we all have blind spots and weaknesses. That’s why God sends others – and why we need them!

Pray with me…. Loving Father, you are so watchful and caring when it comes to us, your children. You provide the opportunities for us to live a life that matters and you provide the people to help us on the way. May we be more grateful for our life situation, and less dissatisfied. And may we sense your gracious hand upon us in the counsel of trusted friends who are committed to our highest good. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Yours for Christ and Crossroads,

Pastor Ken Idleman