Esther - Encouragement Café - September 15, 2014

Esther

Café Menu for Monday, September 15, 2014

Today’s Special is: Patience and Providence

Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Carolyn Dale Newell

Main Ingredient:

… And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!

Esther 4:16b NKJV

 

Entrée:

God is very present in the book of Esther, even though His name is never mentioned. God gave Esther tremendous courage and patience when she needed it most.

There was a decree that all the Jews would be killed on an appointed day. The king did not know that his queen, Esther, was Jewish. Esther planned to approach the king and plead for her life and the lives of her people. However, approaching the king was against the law, and the penalty was death.

The first time the king inquired of Esther concerning her request, she only asked him to attend a banquet that day. Even at the banquet, she only requested his attendance at another banquet on the next day. Once again, the king inquired about the request that he could fulfill.

Esther had patiently waited for this moment as she bravely asked the king to spare her life and the lives of her people, revealing that she was a Jew. Her patience aligned perfectly with God’s providential order of events. The king made another decree protecting the Jews.

Esther risked her own life to save the lives of her people. She also waited just for the right time to make her request.

Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

Psalms 27:14

God will give courage, strength, and patience to all His children when they need it just as He did for Esther. Rely on God and do not be faint-hearted.

Take Out:

Esther demonstrated qualities of courage and patience. God enables all of us to possess those same characteristics when we need them most. Providence is the way God moves in various circumstances to bring about His desired purpose.  Do you remember a time when God’s providence was apparent in your life?

Dessert:

Dear God,

Almighty God, thank You for giving us courage and patience. Thank You for providentially working in our lives. We praise You for all that You do in our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.

© 2014 by Carolyn Dale Newell. All rights reserved.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Pull up a chairHe’s been waiting for you.

Need a refill? Please join us at the Encouragement Café with Luann and Friends.

The conversation at the Café is always hot and fresh. We invite you to listen in as Luann and Friends gather around the table to discuss everyday life.

Comfort food for your soul is always on our menu, and friends are always close enough to hug. We invite you to join us daily, as our writer’s share how the Lord continues to transform them into His glorious image.

Still craving more…Join us as we grow together in grace and truth through our online bible study.

Stop by Encouragement Café and listen as the girls share life. Find podcasts, videos, Bible studies, prayer, resources and daily helpings of hope, laughter and friendship around our table. We've saved a seat just for you!

Originally published Monday, 15 September 2014.

SHARE