Prepare, Trust, Go A Step Further

Saturday, August 23

Esther 4:13-16 (NKJV)
“And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”
Devotion

It is a way of God to include people in meeting the spiritual and physical needs of others. To participate with Him, He often asks us to go a step further – to do something we haven’t thought of before, are uncertain about, are worried about falling short. But victory is the Lord’s. (Proverbs 21:31) Preparation, trust, and obedience are what we can offer. As we learn to be led by the Holy Spirit in small opportunities, our faith grows, and we prepare for bigger ones. 

Esther had an opportunity to go further in a life-or-death situation. If she stepped back instead of taking the step further, God would work out deliverance for her people another way, but she would miss it. Do you want to be part of the solution? Are you willing to be the change you wish to see? 

After being chosen to come to the palace, Esther prepared for the next step of meeting the king for twelve months. When Mordecai told her of the opportunity to help save her people from genocide, Esther’s first reaction was, “I can’t do that!” But she received Mordecai’s counsel and prayer and took the step further. 
God has prepared opportunities for you to represent Jesus and bring His lifegiving message. (Ephesians 2:10) As you are faithful in your household and community, God is likely to open up additional opportunities.

Today’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the opportunities You place before me to partner with You in bringing hope, truth, and life to others. Forgive me for the times I have hesitated out of fear or self-doubt. Give me the courage of Esther to prepare diligently, trust fully, and step forward in obedience, knowing that You go before me and the victory belongs to You. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Spend time this week intentionally preparing spiritually through prayer, fasting, or studying Scripture so that when opportunities arise, you are ready to respond in faith and obedience like Esther. Preparation positions you to walk confidently into what God has called you to do.

Resources

  • Watch this message, “The Power Of Pleasing God”, and launch out into your calling in obedience. 
  • Read James 2:17 – Faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.