Trust
"... the enemy and our own self-destructive natures combine to taunt us with "what ifs."" - (page 107)
Over the years, when it comes to my OCD, "what ifs" have been torturous.
A few other words from this lesson that reminded me of my OCD are "riddled with self-doubt" (page 109).
Beth says we should be "secure children who trust" our "lives to" our "faithful Father."
"The most critical breakthrough of faith you and I could ever experience is to let God bring us to a place where we trust Him - period." "... no matter what, even if our worst nightmare befalls us." - (pages 107 and 108)
A life-coping verse for me is:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. - Proverbs 3:5
Things are going to come up in life that are beyond our understanding and if we are able to come to a place of trusting Him "no matter what", it can help us cope with life so much easier.
"As hard as trusting can be, living with constant fears is harder." - (page 108)
That is something I still need work on. Even though I trust God, I still have so many fears.
"Sometimes God's Hand is so close that it covers the eyes." - (page 109)
"God's silence is in no way indicative of His activity or involvement in our lives. He may be silent but He is not still." - Dr. Charles Stanley
Approaching
A major difference between King Xerxes and our King is that we do not have to fear approaching the throne. We are always welcome! In fact, Scripture tells us to approach with confidence.
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. - Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
Esther really was taking a chance because King Xerxes seemed to take disrespect very seriously. Look how he handled Vashti. Esther really was brave! Bold. A hero.
"In those few seconds, the king had to weigh Esther against his own ego. Could he take the chance of giving the officials grounds to conclude for a second time that the king couldn't control his wife?" - (page 111)
He probably really loved Esther. I imagine Esther always showed him respect, as well as others in the palace (or wherever they lived - castle - whatever). Maybe Vashti had shown disrespect often. Beth also makes it seem like King Xerxes knew something was wrong with Esther. He seemed concerned.
Will of God
"Esther did what she needed to do, clearly the will of God, but not as one perfectly collected and confident."
It's not easy to do God's will.
But... God is with us and "He knows how hard it is going to be for us."
"... what would have happened if Esther had waited to go to the king until her hands stopped shaking and her heart stopped pounding."
That reminded me of some words from part of a Bible study by Kay Arthur:
"Endurance ... ... is the will of God. You may be weak, you may be trembling, your knees may be knocking, your voice may be weak and squeaky high with fear, but hang in there. Don't give up. Persevere."
Beth also points out the fact that some people "believe the only way to do something acceptably is to do it perfectly..."
She also says that the "stronghold of perfectionism could be a severe detriment to your destiny".
"Can't a touchdown still be a touchdown even if the boy tripped his way across the goal line?" Yes!
I was reminded me of some things I learned in the Beth Moore 'David' study:
"We don't have to win big to win."
"David could have been furious with himself because he let some guys get away. Instead, he chose to focus on the ones he brought home:"
"Assured victory does not mean easy wins."
On the way to our win, we might make mistakes. It doesn't have to be a perfect battle to score a "W". Don't focus on the mistakes.
Don't focus on the imperfect ways we do what we need to do, keep pushing through the fears, etc. and do God's will.
Feel free to comment below in regards to this post and/or things you got out of week 5 - days 1 and 2.
Thanks!
Cari
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