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WEDNESDAY — Plotting Destruction vs. Preventing Destruction
Today’s Big Point: Esther faced her fears and took the courageous opportunity she was offered.

     Esther faced the choice of logic/self-preservation, or obedient faith/courage. Does this mean that once you become a Christian you should abandon logic/self preservation? No. It just means that we should “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.”
     Esther grew up an orphan and was raised by her older cousin. She knew what it felt like to go without and to sacrifice. Didn’t she deserve to stay safe inside the king’s palace and enjoy the luxuries that were foreign to her growing up for as long as possible? Anyone acting on pure logic wouldn’t give that up. Shouldn’t she follow the law? That would be the logical choice too, right? However, Esther chose to listen to the wise advice of Mordecai in order to prepare for what she needed to do on behalf of her people. She fasted and prayed, and asked her loved ones to do the same. She sought clear direction and strength from the King of the universe. She took the time to prepare so that she was capable of taking on the courageous opportunity she was being offered.
     Sometimes what is logical has nothing to do with what God’s plan is for our lives. If we give in to this short sightedness, it can cause us to give in to plots of destruction rather than trusting God to show us the way to prevent destruction. There is a clear advice in the Bible that helps up know God’s will for our life…if you are courteous, spend some time meditating on Romans 12:1-6.

READ…What does the Bible say?
Esther 4:14-16 (New International Version)
14 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 royal position for such a time as this? 15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:
16 Go gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.

Romans 12:2 (New International Version)
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

THINK…Find the answers
How did Esther prepare and plan for her approach to see the king? (Esther 4:16)

What advice does Romans 12: 2 offer for testing and approving God’s will for our life?

LIVE…What will you do now?
How are you seeking out God’s wisdom and will?

What exists in your life that you need to know God’s will about?

What spiritual disciplines are absent from your life that would help you to plan better?

PRAY…God, What do You want me to know & do?
Commit to God that you will seek after His good, pleasing and perfect will for your life. Ask God to forgive you for situations in your past where you have conformed to the trappings of this world.

DAILY BIBLE READING COMMENTARY: Luke 7
Luke 7:1-10 Jesus was amazed at the faith shown by this Roman commander who was not even Jewish. This man not only showed faith but he really understood authority, even spiritual authority. He recognized Jesus’ authority and placed his faith in Jesus ability to heal with his words. There are two lessons here for us to learn. First, we can give great pleasure to God, the King of the universe by simply living by faith in Him and taking Him at His word – these not only please Him but give Him the honor and glory that He deserves as the majestic and powerful Creator of all things who loves us deeply. Second, we can learn that the Word of God has authority and power. We can live in spiritual victory by speaking God’s Words and promises over our lives; He has given them to us to claim as our own so that we can have power to live out the life and plans that He has for us.