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Queen Esther’s Brave Request. F ully. R elying. O n. G od. Otherwise: We’d always stand out. We’d never fret about our needs. We’d always say no to sin. FACT CHECK: We fall short; we sin. Rom. 3:10-12, 23. We Don’t Always F.R.O.G. What Happens When You F.R.O.G.?.
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Queen Esther’s Brave Request Fully.Relying.On.God
Otherwise: We’d always stand out. We’d never fret about our needs. We’d always say no to sin. FACT CHECK: We fall short; we sin. Rom. 3:10-12, 23 We Don’t Always F.R.O.G.
What Happens When You F.R.O.G.? • That is what the Book of Esther teaches for those who believe in God. Rom. 8:28 • We see a man who exemplified and exhorted how to rely on God. • We see a young woman who makes an unbelievable request. • Ultimately, we see God’s sovereignty and providential care for those who rely upon Him.
It’s Not Who You Are…It’s Who God Is! • Mordecai is just another Jew… living in captivity. • Yet, his reliance on God manifests his faithfulness to Him. • His reliance is what allows us to see (by faith) God at work… even when we can’t see (by sight) God working. Heb. 11:1
Listening To Wise Counsel • Mordecai raised Esther (as his own daughter). 2:7, 10 • IMPORTANT TO NOTE: He taught/she learned to listen to wise counsel. 2:10, 15, 20 • This speaks well of both of them. • This attribute is VITAL to relying upon God.
The Stage Is Set for F.R.O.G. • Mordecai’s concern for the king. 2:21-23 • No doubt this would also affect Esther’s life. • More importantly, God wills His people to do good unto all men. • Mordecai’s ultimate allegiance to the King of kings. 3:1-3 • Mordecai’s allegiance tested. 3:4
The Ultimate Test: Life and Death • Haman’s hatred extended to all Jews. 3:5-6, 8-11 • Mordecai’s agonizing suffering for relying on God. 4:1-2 • All the Jews heard of their impending deaths. 4:3 • Esther eventually learns of impending genocide but yet hasn’t fully relied upon God. 4:10-12 • Mordecai, on the other hand, shines as an example of full reliance upon our heavenly Father. 4:13-14
The Rest of the Story • Esther listens to her wise cousin and commits herself to rely upon God. 4:15-17 • She has all the Jews fasting/(praying) for her 3 days. • She will also fast. • Then she will face her own life and death. • “If I perish, I perish”… WOW! • God saves Esther, Mordecai and ALL the Jews from Genocide… Haman justly executed. Ch. 7ff
Do You Fully Rely On God? • It is EASY to preach our need to fully rely on God. • It is EASY to agree to our need to fully rely on God. • The question is: when faced with your personal struggle that seems so difficult how have you fared?
When You Fall Into Various Trials • For those who acknowledge to be lacking – many among God’s people do – consider: • Asking others – especially those whom you value to be faithful in service to God – to PRAY FOR YOU. • Pray, pray, pray – FERVENTLY • Make a commitment to do WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE… NO MATTER WHAT. Jas. 1:2-7
Remember: God Is Sovereign • He wants us to KNOW our need to rely upon Him. Cp. Matt. 6:24-34 • He wants us to LEARN to rely upon Him. • He wants us to EXPERIENCE His salvation we can glory in Him! Rom. 8:31-39