LIVING WITH DESTINY
Esther was an unknown Jewish girl who lost both of her parents. Life was not easy for Esther as she had to learn to survive on her own. She was raised up by her uncle Mordecai. But by God’s divine purpose, Esther was chosen to be the queen of a huge kingdom. The Bible recorded that King Xerxes ruled over 127 provinces stretching from India to Cush (Esther 1:1). This is every girl’s dream, to be a queen for a huge empire. All the wealth, luxury and comfort possible were at Esther fingertips. However, something potentially catastrophic happened! Haman who was highly regarded by Xerxes wanted to annihilate all the Jews around the world. Read Esther 3:6-12
Esther 4:6-14 (New International Version)
6 So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king's gate. 7 Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews. 8 He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to urge her to go into the king's presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people. 9 Hathach went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said. 10 Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai, 11 "All the king's officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that he be put to death. The only exception to this is for the king to extend the gold scepter to him and spare his life. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king." 12 When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"
I would like to share three principles of “Living with destiny” through the life of Queen Esther.
A life of destiny requires knowing the call of God
God has a special calling on every person on earth. When God created a person, He also gave a special purpose and calling upon their life. We only begin to recognise that calling when we have a relationship with Him. The Bible says that sin separated us from God (Romans 3:23). Thus, we cannot know His plan and purpose for our lives. On the other hand, Esther knew about God but she did not recognise God calling for her life to save the Jews from annihilation. God used Mordecai, her uncle to reveal His calling to Esther. Twenty years ago, God revealed my life time calling. He desires for me to go into the nations to bring healing and restoration. Do you know your special calling from God? Seek God today!
A life of destiny requires a willing heart
Esther had a choice to obey or disobey the call of God for her life. She could be silent about her Jewish identity and pretend nothing was wrong or do something to save the Jewish people. Mordecai challenged Esther to rise up to protect and defend the Jewish race from destruction. God brought conviction within Esther to save the Jews. She decided to act on behalf of God’s chosen people even at the risk of losing her title and life. She decided to come before King Xerxes to vindicate the Jews without an invitation. She asked all the Jews in Susa to pray and fast for favour from the King Xerxes. When I received the calling from God to go to the nations, I had to face many personal challenges. I had some fears in my heart like Esther. But God helped me to obey Him by opening many doors for me. When we are willing to obey God, He will do make all things possible!
A life of destiny requires fulfilling God’s purpose.
There was a happy ending to this story because Esther recognised the call of God and was willing to do her part to approach King Xerxes. When King Xerxes learned of Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews through Esther, he sentenced Haman to death. King Xerxes also wrote an edict to preserve and protect the Jews in all the nations. Mordecai was honoured by the King Xerxes because he earlier helped stop an assassination plot against the king (Esther 6:1-14). Esther will be forever remembered as the person that God used to save the annihilation of the Jews in history. She fulfilled God’s purpose in her generation! I hope to be remembered as a person that fulfilled God’s purpose in my generation. I want to do all that I can to glorify God. What about you? Do you want to fulfil God’s given purpose in your life? Begin to recognise the call of God and be willing to obey Him.
Healing story: A Creative Miracle
Margaret (aged 64 ) has a totally deaf right ear since she was four years old due to an infection. The doctor told Margaret that her right ear had no eardrum and that her left ear is damaged. After prayers, God performed a creative miracle by providing Margaret a new eardrum. Margaret started to complain that the music was too noisy for her ears. In fact, she had to put tissues in the left ear to reduce the noise. God restored both of her ears. Praise God for this creative miracle.
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