****Please read the scripture from the Bible as this is God's Word****

Today's message was taken from Esther. This is a special book of the Bible, as it does not mention God anywhere in the book, however, God's presence is undoubtedly made known. This is kind of how it is in our own lives, we can't see God, but he is always there whether or not we think He is.

Hatach had delivered a message to Esther from her relative (uncle or cousin) Mordecia. Mordecai had unfolded a plot to kill the King, and wanted to forewarn Esther to tell the King of the plot to kill him. Esther then told Hatach to deliver a message back to Mordecia telling him that everyone including the servants, people of the Kings provinces, man or woman knows that nobody is to approach the King unless they are called upon for they will be put to death, and the King has not called on her for 30 days. Mordecia then told Esther that she need to not to think of herself and the danger that was at hand for she had been placed in that situation, at that location, at that specific time for a reason. Esther then returned a message unto Mordecia telling him that she was going to proceed, but wanted him and the Jews of Shushan to fast or not drink and eat for 3 days as she and her maids were going to do the same. Then Esther said she would approach the King at the end of the fast. Mordecai did as Esther commanded.

We need to learn to be a steward of opportunity. What in the world does that mean? Have you ever had something happen in your life and you just knew that it had to be fate? Have you ever stopped to think that every little or large life event was pre-meditated? It is little things like for me, this past weekend I was on a road trip. On the way to my destination I saw a man on the side of the road, he was homeless, and I had a strong conviction in my heart to give him a buck or two and also give him a "Gospel flyer", but I chose not to. I don't know why I chose not to, maybe was fear, or maybe was selfishness in the fact that we were "late" in getting to our destination, but the funny thing was that after I had proceeded at the stop sign, something told me "What if that was an opportunity that God has just presented you and you passed it up?" I mean I was at that intersection sitting at a stop sign at a specific time and date. Can God be anymore direct with me, I think not. The other funny thing is that two days later when we arrived back in Phoenix and went to evening service the message preached was about "Divine Opportunities" that God has given to us.

We need to believe in God's providence. What do I mean by that? You see, God is active daily participating in ALL the affairs of "man" even though we don't see it. God doesn't sleep, he is self-existent, He needs no rest. Mordecia, Esther's relative knew that God was there and that He had placed Esther in the Kings presence in that particular Country, at that particular time and date. We need to know and trust that God always has impeccable, perfect, precise timing.

God is active in all things, big or small. Are inabilities to comprehend the knowledge and presence of God makes it hard for us to believe that God is always there. God uses his people in his own way, which means God uses you.

We must seek all these opportunities, I want to give you a few things to ponder.

Think about the state of life that you are in right now, whether it be sickness, good health, poor, rich, happiness, sorrow, you are in that particular state of life, at this particular moment for a reason. In my personal experience, when I have hit rock bottom, the reason was that I need to turn to God.

Think about opportunities of timing. Why you are where you are at that specific time. Like in my situation with the homeless gentleman, I was in that specific timeframe presented with an opportunity to help him and give him the gospel.

Think about opportunities of location. When you go off and gas up your car, sometimes there will be a stranger there that wants to blab your ear off, that might just be an opportunity to ask him/her if they know Jesus, or invite them to church. Why do you live in the house that you do surrounded by certain people?

Think about opportunities of relationships. Why do you hold a place in the lives of others such as friends and family? Why are you married to your spouse? These aren't just coincidences, you see God puts people in your life for a reason.

So I close with this, what opportunities are you presented with? And what opportunities will you take advantage of to honor our Lord?

posted by Ben at 11:30 AM
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