Week
Six – God’s Plan for Me
Women of the
Bible – Esther
By
Carri Pratt
“LORD, You are
my portion and my cup of blessing;
You hold my future.” Psalm 16:5
Esther
had a very tragic childhood. She lost
both of her parents at a young age. She
was adopted by her cousin, Mordecai, who was a God honoring and kind Jewish
man. Her birth name was Hadassah which
is Hebrew for Esther. The Bible tells us
that she was a very beautiful young lady.
Like
many of us, Esther may not have been thinking that God had a plan for her or
even knew who she was in the world. She
probably felt that life had dealt her a very disappointing hand. When King Ahasuerus’ men came looking for a
new queen, (since the queen had disobeyed him and was dethroned), Esther had no
desire to “try-out for the part” as it says, “Esther was also taken to the palace…” Esther 2:8.
However,
God did know who Esther was in the world.
He knew her because, like all of us, He created her and loved her. Make no mistake about it, God has a plan for
your life. He “holds my future.” Psalm 16:5, and is patiently watching to see what
each of His children are going to do with their time, talents and treasures.
Sometimes
God forces our hand. Just like Esther
was “taken to the palace” we are sometimes taken into situations we feel are
overwhelming, scary and way out of our comfort zone. Those are actually the types of situations
God can use the most because we finally get to a point where we surrender
control. Jesus said, “My
grace is sufficient for
you, for (My) power is perfected
in (your) weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.
If
you have read the story, you know the famous line recited by Mordecai to Esther
as they discussed her role in saving the Jewish people of Susa, “Perhaps you were born for such a time as
this.” Esther 4:14.
Ladies,
as you read this my prayer is that your spirit is being convicted and that you
hear the voice of your sweet Savior, Jesus Christ, whispering in your ear,
“Perhaps you were born for such a time as this.” It is up to you to discover what your
personal “this” is. Embrace it! Do it to the Glory of God Almighty and see
what awesome fruit He provides you.
Challenge: Read the book of Esther (its very short, only 8 short chapters – and so very good!) then meditate on what God’s plan is for
your life. What are the spiritual gifts
He has so generously bestowed upon you?
Are you using them to His glory?
Read Esther's story at www.Biblegateway.com
Going Deeper:
The Jewish people celebrate the holiday this passage talks about each year. It is called Purim.
The entire book of Esther is read and the children dress up like the characters in the book.
You can read more about it at:
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