A Dream Dissolved

Are you ready to face the unknown with certainty, confidence and calm, or are you full of uncertainty, fear and worry?

Early one morning, several years ago I read through the book of Esther as I began to prepare a leadership lesson from the life of Queen Esther.  That morning, God showed me one specific character trait in Esther that I needed to develop (in myself). Esther exhibited a good attitude in times of difficulty and uncertainty.  

Even though: 
•    Esther had no choice as to where she lived. (The Jewish people had been taken to Persia years before as captives.)
•    Esther was an orphan, living with her cousin
•    Esther was told she would be in a beauty pageant 
•    Esther was chosen as queen to a man she barely knew
                                         …she submitted to it all with a good attitude.

Esther was not asked if she wanted to be put in these situations.  There is no evidence that she fought against authority or complained.  However, throughout the book of Esther several instances of her willing obedience are recorded. 

I put my Bible and study notes away that morning and went into the office, to a ministry position God had made possible for me, and that I completely enjoyed.  Later that very day I found out that my Dream position was being Dissolved.  God was putting me to the test.  Was I ready to put into practice the principle I had just read about in Esther?  Would I be angry, depressed and worried, or would I listen to God’s still small voice, trust Him, and then obey Him with a good attitude? 

Several days later I was asked how I could handle the situation so well.  I was able to share the lesson I had learned from Esther.  

Even though it seemed that Esther was put in difficult situations as a result of human decisions, God was at work. She obeyed, and kept a good attitude.  Because of her humble obedience God was able to use her in great ways. 

We can have confidence that God puts His people in the right place, at the right time, for the right reasons.  Her cousin Mordecai said it this way: 

“…And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”  Esther 4:4

Esther was able to have a good attitude in her difficult situations because she depended on God for strength. We have access to that same strength.

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord of Hosts.”  Zechariah 4:6b

Since that morning over 10 years ago, God has led me into ministries that I had not even dreamed about. These would not have been possible had I not faced that situation with the right attitude. Paul talks about this attitude in Philippians.

“Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus” Philippians 2:5

The verses following this one explain Christ’s attitude as being humble and obedient. If Christ displayed these, how can I do any less?

This is the start of a new year.  Face each day with Christ’s attitude of humble obedience, knowing that you are not alone, God’s Spirit is available to you.

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