4 Principles Learned From the Book of Esther

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4 Principles Learned From the Book of

Esther
By Ron Edmondson
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I love the story of Esther. If you havent read it lately, you can do so HERE.

Here are the four principles Ive observed from the story of Esther.
1. God has a special plan for your life.
Esther was placed in a royal position, not by chance, but for a purpose.
Reminds me of one of my favorite verses. Proverbs 16:9, In his heart a man plans his course, but the
Lord determines his steps.
God didnt make a mistake in where He has you today. I think we spend too long in our life trying to
figure out where God wants us to be or wishing we were somewhere else, instead of just allowing God
to do something with our life where we are, while waiting for more to come.

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4 Principles Learned From the Book of Esther

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2. Sometimes you will have to go against common sense, against what others advise, even
against what you want to do, in order to follow Gods plan.
Esther would have to approach the king, though she didnt have permission. This could have meant
certain and sudden death for her since it was even against the law to approach the king. Esthers
response: If I perish, I perish!
Sometimes Gods will makes perfect sense, as you examine your experience. (I wrote about that
HERE.) That doesnt mean, however, that you wont be required to take risks for God. The best things
in life often come with the greatest risks. The degree of difficulty is not an indication that God is not in
it. In fact, the opposite would be closer to truth.
3. The time to follow Gods plan is now.
I find Esther 4:14 interesting. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews
will arise from another place, but you and your fathers family will perish. And who knows but that you
have come to royal position for such a time as this?
We mostly consider that last part of the verse, but notice the Who knows? Its a question. They
werent sure. They knew she was in the position as queen. She had opportunity to see the King. They
knew God wanted to save the people. They knew for whatever reason Esther had been made aware of
the plan. But did they know for sure thats what Esther was supposed to do? Apparently not! They
went without being 100 percent certain. Who knows?
There will be times in your life when youve gathered all the information you can, youve prayed as
well as you know how, youve sought godly counsel; whatever you are doing is not sinful but there
is something inside of you thats still not sure. You can sleep on it. Thats something I always do.

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4 Principles Learned From the Book of Esther

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Esther waited three days, but at some point you just have to muster the courage to move forward.
Without all the answers, are you ready to step out and walk by faith? Dont be afraid to allow God to
determine the outcome.
4. Trusting in God completely brings great rewards.
Esther 8:17In every province and in every city, wherever the edict of the king went, there was joy
and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities
became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.
Esther saved a nation. Her obedience saved Gods people from destruction! The reward for obedience
was even better than expected. Esther went before the king prepared for the worst case scenario
she got the very best! Many people became followers of God! The people were inspired by the faith of
one woman and one man that everything changed in that nation.
It will always prove profitable in the long run to obey God. When others see us living in radical
obedience, obedience that makes no sense, theyll want some of what we have. The world around you
is looking for answers, trying to figure out how to make life work. We may not have all the answers,
but we know about a God who does.
When was the last time you asked, God what do You want to do through my life? Are you ready to
walk by faith?
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Ron Edmondson is a pastor and church leader passionate about planting churches, helping established
churches thrive, and assisting pastors and those in ministry think through leadership, strategy and life.
Ron has over 20 years business experience, mostly as a self-employed business owner, and he's been
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4 Principles Learned From the Book of Esther

http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/254295-4-principles-learned-book-esther.html?print

helping church grow vocationally for over 10 years.

More from Ron Edmondson or visit Ron at http://www.ronedmondson.com/

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