The story thus far ....

Esther is a young orphaned girl who is adopted by her cousin Mordecai. They live in Susa where Xerxes is king. The king lives a privileged and lavish life.

Esther and Mordecai are Jews, a minority group, misunderstood and at risk.

Esther is in the king's harem and ultimately becomes his queen.

Mordecai saves the king's life as, after he hears disgruntled workers plotting to kill him, he tells Esther who tells the king.

Haman, a pagan, has a high position at court and is favoured by the king.

Mordecai refuses to bow down to him.

Haman tells the king to write a decree to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews.

Mordecai persuades Esther to help their people with these words: Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 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 4:13-24)

Esther said for the Jews to gather and pray and fast.

She goes to the king who was pleased to see her and he asked What do you want? What is your request. Up to half my kingdom I'll give you.

Her first request was to invite the king and Haman to a banquet, and then another the next day.

Haman is still mad that Mordecai will not bow down to him and his friends tell him to build a gallows to hang Mordecai.

Chapters 6 and 7 -

The king could not sleep so read the book of chronicles in which he read about Mordecai saving his life. He realised Mordecai was never honoured for it so asked Haman what he should do.

Haman did not know he was referring to Mordecai and was actually on his way to ask the king if he could hang Mordecai.

His suggestion of royal robes, a horse, etc was taken up. Such humiliation for Haman!

The king learnt of Haman's actions and had Haman hung.

Where is God in all this?

Esther prayed and got her people to pray with her. God's people pray to Him.

God is in control

His will, will prevail. He has had a plan for His creation since the very beginning.

He tells us he will return.

and his kingdom will be renewed

creation will be restored (Rev 21:24-26)

relationships will be restored (Rev 22:2)

the God-human relationship will be restored (Rev 21:3, 22:3-4)

God is in control. His plan will prevail.

So where are we in all of that?

It was never about us. This is God's story. His Plan. His creation.

God doesn't actually need us for His plan to prevail.

However, he invites us to be a part of it and in fact, loves to use ordinary people.

What do you think praying to God and fasting for 3 days and nights did for or to Esther?

Surely spending that much time in God's presence will have an effect on you.

Transform your mind and heart perhaps?

Give yourself the confidence to believe it possible?

Ordinary - Esther was an ordinary orphaned Jewish girl but there are many examples in the Bible of God using ordinary people. Who can you think of?

Where do you see God at work? How is He using you? How is He at work in and through you?

Where is God at work in this church?

In the community?

In you?

When you start asking questions like:

How is God transforming me?

How is He giving me wisdom?

How has He strengthened me?

How has He protected me?

How is He using me for His purpose right now,

... you'll start to notice.

So:

God is in control.

His will, will prevail.

God doesn't need us to fulfil his plan, but he invites us to join Him.

God loves to use ordinary people.

Praying to God changes things, including us.

God is at work. If we look for Him, we will find Him.