walking in the same way as He walked!
persistent presence
The progression of Esther tells the story of God’s persistent presence and provision for His people. I’m completely in awe of God. If Esther and Mordecai had not made themselves available to be placed where they were, they would’ve missed the opportunity to glorify God and save His people. God is faithful always (see what I did there?) but we also have to be faithful to him. Even when He feels absent. He is working in our lives and remaining faithful to His promises even when we are living in the midst of exile.
purpose in your placement
Wherever you are right now, you aren’t there by accident. There is a purpose in your placement. God may feel far away or maybe even non-existent, but I can promise you He is right with you. God used Mordecai and Esther to save all of the Jewish people (spoiler alert), yet Esther and Mordecai were not perfect people.
obedience
God isn’t going to ask us to do something that we are not capable of doing. However, he will ask us to do things that may not make any sense, that may feel scary to do, or that may seem absolutely ridiculous. There is a purpose in uncomfortable.
in the silence
What looks and feels like God’s silence and inactivity is actually an opportunity to hear that still small voice and see the provisions of God that He has made for us through faith. There are times when we have to walk in obedience to the light that God has given us before He sheds more light on our path.
the fall of jericho
There are walls in your life that God has promised into your hand and you may be frustrated because it hasn’t been placed in your hand. You have to believe that because God has promised it to you, He will give it to you. It requires a tremendous act of faith and endurance. I’m sure the people walking around Jericho were exhausted, but because they had great faith in God, they continued to put one foot in front of the other until it was time for the wall to fall. Are you relying solely on God?
all leaves, no fruit
The significance of this is the example it creates. God’s disapproval of those who are all leaves, and no fruit. I’m guilty of this. To an outsider, I may appear as though I am producing fruit and living out every part of my life for God. If I’m honest, there are times when this isn’t the case. I may appear as though I have leaves, yet if you take a closer look, I’m not producing any fruit.