Life Application / Accountability
Did you pray daily about the challenge you are facing? Did you decide to fast anything?
How did the Lord speak to you during your prayer time this week?
Sermon Recap
Have you ever felt like a victim because of circumstances that have happened to you beyond your control? What happens when our lives take a turn we never expected? The story of Esther is a story of perseverance. Esther is an ordinary girl placed in extraordinary circumstances. A displaced orphan, she is kidnapped and placed in the king’s harem against her will. Nothing in Esther’s life is what she probably thought it would be. Yet, through it all Esther honored God well and it earned her the favor of the king’s trusted servant and the king himself.
Through the most difficult circumstances of her life Ester illuminates how God can take our trauma and turn them into triumph. Esther had every reason to be a victim but became a victor because she trusted God. It was this trust that gained her influence over the king and allowed her to be used as God’s agent to save His people from annihilation.
In Esther's story we see how God can take the ashes of our lives and use them to uniquely position us to bring Him glory in ways we could have never imagined. Make no mistake, God does not enjoy when His children suffer. However, He never allows our suffering to be in vain. When we trust Him, we, like Esther, will persevere. Who knows, maybe just maybe our stories of perseverance through Jesus Christ might be the testimony that illuminates the saving grace of Jesus in the life of someone who is lost and far from God.
Just like Esther God used Esther’s influence to save His people, He longs to use our influence to bring sight to the blind and to bring the dead back to life. We have been placed here for such a time as this. To stand in the gap for our generation…not victims of our circumstances but victors in the name of Jesus.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
James 1:2-4
The book of Esther
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
What circumstances in your life have left you feeling like a victim?
How might God or how has God used those circumstances to give influence over others for His kingdom?
In spite of her circumstances Esther trusted God and preserved. Her perseverance gave her favor and influence which ultimately saved God’s people. Do you think God desires to use us in the same way? What does being created “for such a time as this” mean to you?
Prayer
Confess and cry out to God any ways that trauma or pain in your life has left you feeling like a victim.
Ask God to bring healing and turn that trauma into triumph so that you might bring glory to Him.
Life Application / Accountability For The Upcoming Week
This week write down all the areas of influence that God has given you. In your home, at work, at school, with family, coworkers, friends, even strangers.
Now think about how Jesus helped you persevere through the most difficult of circumstances. How might you use your testimony to shine the light of Christ into the people you have influence over? Where is one place that you know God has placed you to bring honor and glory to Him? Once you have identified these answers, fast and pray over the people you might influence for Jesus…helping to move them from death to life.
Don’t Forget!
Register for Kids Club Summer: Make Waves before August 1st.
Register to serve the homeless and displaced in Macomb Country through MCREST.
Register for the Immerse Women's Conference- Early Bird ends August 31st.
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