"Her collision with the truth..." - (page 92)
Not on the same level, nor the same circumstances as what our study is talking about, but there are times in life when people do "collide" with truth and it rocks their world; it shakes their foundation.
There are obviously times in life when coming across truth is a good thing for sure. I believe truth, in some aspects, is even a necessity in life. But, I'm talking about the difficult times, such as someone finding out their spouse is cheating. The times when it can feel like a person's whole world is turned upside down.
Reality Check
"When our old priorities don't go with our new life, we either return to our old life or adopt new priorities."
"If we distance ourselves long enough from real needs, we replace them with those that aren't."
"The more detached and self-absorbed we become, the more we mistake annoyances for agonies."
Something to think about:
"What recent inconveniences have you been tempted to treat as if they're true tribulations?"
"We are wise to force ourselves to keep differentiating between simple inconveniences and authentic tribulations."
Maybe we all need reality checks once in a while.
(The above quotes are from page 92.)
30 Days
“All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.” - Esther 4:11
Beth talks about the fact that 30 days had passed since Esther had been summoned by the king.
"What might this time gap have implied...?" - (page 93)
That the king wasn't missing Esther.
For Such A Time As This
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 your royal position for such a time as this?” - Esther 4:14
"Ironically staying out of the king's presence was no less dangerous than entering it." - (page 95)
As far as Esther knew, she would die either way.
If she didn't approach the king, she and the other Jews would die (according to the words in the edict).
If she approached the king, there was a chance she would die much sooner, but there was also a chance that she could live and be a hero and save her people. If the king didn't extend the sceptor, she would still die a hero for trying.
Approaching the king felt like the only chance for hope.
"... for such a time as this..." (Esther 4:14)
Mordecai's words to Esther basically were saying that approaching the king could be a major purpose for her life and position.
"... "Esther, what if you were born for this very moment? Think how unlikely your position is! ... ... Hadassah! Open your eyes! Why is a Jewish woman the Queenof Persia at such a time as this? Must it not be providence? Must it not be God?"" - (pages 95-96)
"You are royalty. ... You are ... the daughter of the universe's King."
"Not only are you royalty but you also have been placed in your sphere of influence, regardless of the size you perceive it to be, "for such a time as this." ... God cut out those exact perimeters for you and me on the kingdom calendar so that we would be positioned on earth right now. ... God "determined the times set for [us] and the exact places that [we] should live." You see, even your current location is part of the set-up for your kingdom destiny." - (page 97)
We each have a purpose, position, and place in this life; in this world.
"The hard truth of Mordecai's exhortation to Esther also applies to us. We can refuse to walk in obedience to God or cower in fear from our calling and He will undoubtedly still accomplish His agenda. As for us, however, we will pass up the fulfillment of our own entire life-purpose and we ... ... will miss a mighty work. Frighteningly, perhaps even a mighty deliverance." - (pages 97-98)
Get up. Be bold. Be brave.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9
"None of our purposes will be fulfilled easily. All of them will require the most difficult decisions we think we can make." - (page 98)
This week, I came across the following four quotes:
"Discovering what we were made for requires great faith! I guarantee you.... It's NOT found in your comfort zone!" - Sandi Krakowski
"... comfort, if we're not careful, can keep us away from the calls of Christ." - Perry Noble
"... He did not say to us, "Pick up your mattress and follow Me." He said, "Pick up your cross."" - Perry Noble
"... we've got to be willing to embrace the uncomfortable..." - Perry Noble
"As much as my flesh wanted relief, I knew that when all was said and done, I'd sit on that side of glory having much rather fulfilled my calling than served myself all the way to meaninglessness. I had to accept that I was not called to an easy life. I was called to a purposeful life." - (page 98)
"Beloved, in the times of greatest struggle when you make the Godward decision over convenience, earthly comfort, or carnal pleasure, you too have come to a critical moment in the fulfillment of your destiny. A defining moment. A war is being waged over your head in the unseen realm, and a great cloud of witnesses is cheering you on. You have no idea what's at stake." - (page 98)
Wow. That was a motivating lesson! It was probably the most motivating ever from any Bible study I have ever done.
Feel free to comment below in regards to this post and/or things you got out of week 4 - days 3 and 4.
Thanks!
Cari
(If you are reading this in your email, you can click HERE and it will bring you to this post on the seek Him Bible study blog.)
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