Wen-Wei's Applications

12. As you look around and see unbelievers who do not honour God and yet seem to be prospering in life, how can (and should) this passage from Esther alter your attitudes?

Great sympathy for them, gratitude to God for saving me – this is the Beatitudes again – blessed are the merciful. “There but for the grace of God go I.”

13. How is Mordecai’s life a challenge to you to be faithful no matter what the circumstances?

The belief in sovereign or divine protection – the belief that help WILL come whether through Esther or somewhere else. This allows him to be steadfast in the circumstances. We may debate whether his faith was in God or something else, whether we believe in the ethics or morality of the man, the lesson of belief in a higher authority than even the law of the Medes and the Persians is worth emulating. In our case, in God.

14. God had placed Esther in her unique position of influence “for such a time as this.” What unique opportunities or platforms has God given you? List 2-3 specific things you could do this week to use your position for the glory of God and the good of Christ’s church.

This is a hard one. Not because there aren't any opportunities, but because there are so many. Where I live, where I work, ministry areas, family - these all represent areas I can intentionally make a difference for God.

But I will choose 1 area to focus on this week: I will have a unique opportunity this week to speak more deeply with some key managers in their roles. I will be alert for openings to the gospels and take them as they come up. Pray with me please for such opportunities in our conversations.