Best Laid Plans
Let’s begin our week using our imaginations. Consider going to a Christian Bookstore and asking for a recommendation for a book on faith. The sweet person behind the counter says, “I have the perfect choice for you! It’s 10 little chapters, we have no idea who the author is … and it doesn’t mention God.” You’d probably pause for a moment, nod and back away thinking it must be that person’s first day on the job. But, here we are. We are going to walk through that little book, the book of Esther.
We don’t know a lot of the history of the woman for whom this book of the Bible is named. We don’t know her plans, pain, hopes or dreams. What we do know is Esther, a young Jewish woman, had lost both of her parents and was taken in by family. Her cousin Mordecai loved her and raised her as his own. We know she was beautiful; and we can infer she was quite smart, because she knew how to use that gift. She also must have had a lot of “starch in her spine” and could keep a secret. She sounds like the whole package, right? So why be brought into the harem of the king? Surely this wasn’t part of her plan.
This was a not a game of roses and fantasy dates like “The Bachelor.” The king made a decree, and Mordecai had to let her go. Esther wouldn’t have had a choice in this process. But, here is the deal: God was with her. Now, as I mentioned, God wasn’t mentioned in the entire book. But, these verses are almost fragrant with His presence. God had a plan, and Esther held a key role in that plan. Each day wasn’t going to be easy, organized or pretty; but it would be complete.
I won’t spill all that will come from these pages; but, I will tell you, this book is about way more than a woman. More than a king. More than protecting a generation from genocide. It’s about a God with the heart and strength for His people.
“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” (Proverbs 19:21)
Esther had plans, probably the same as you and I do; but one swift decree created a huge pivot point in those plans. Pray right now about the gifts and plans God has for you and how you can adjust those plans to God’s purpose. He is ready to listen!
By Carrie Peterson
Carrie is happiest with her people and a pen in hand!
We don’t know a lot of the history of the woman for whom this book of the Bible is named. We don’t know her plans, pain, hopes or dreams. What we do know is Esther, a young Jewish woman, had lost both of her parents and was taken in by family. Her cousin Mordecai loved her and raised her as his own. We know she was beautiful; and we can infer she was quite smart, because she knew how to use that gift. She also must have had a lot of “starch in her spine” and could keep a secret. She sounds like the whole package, right? So why be brought into the harem of the king? Surely this wasn’t part of her plan.
This was a not a game of roses and fantasy dates like “The Bachelor.” The king made a decree, and Mordecai had to let her go. Esther wouldn’t have had a choice in this process. But, here is the deal: God was with her. Now, as I mentioned, God wasn’t mentioned in the entire book. But, these verses are almost fragrant with His presence. God had a plan, and Esther held a key role in that plan. Each day wasn’t going to be easy, organized or pretty; but it would be complete.
I won’t spill all that will come from these pages; but, I will tell you, this book is about way more than a woman. More than a king. More than protecting a generation from genocide. It’s about a God with the heart and strength for His people.
“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” (Proverbs 19:21)
Esther had plans, probably the same as you and I do; but one swift decree created a huge pivot point in those plans. Pray right now about the gifts and plans God has for you and how you can adjust those plans to God’s purpose. He is ready to listen!
By Carrie Peterson
Carrie is happiest with her people and a pen in hand!
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2021
January
New BeginningsBe a LightPraying for the Gospel to AdvancePraying for Church LeadershipPraying for RestorationPraying for the Persecuted ChurchPraying for Our NationBridging the GapJesus UnderstandsYour Spiritual TankMade to WorshipProtection and WisdomDeliver Us From TemptationWholly Following the LordDistinguishing Characteristics of a True Disciple of ChristLoving Others as God Loves UsOvercoming Resistance to the GospelHow to Love Your EnemiesWinning Influence with Reciprocating LoveF-O-C-U-SA Job RejectionRejected by Your FamilyRejected by Church PeopleRejected for Your ViewpointThe Most Dangerous Rejection of AllWhat Are You Seeing?
February
112 YearsJesus Is Followed - Beth's StoryJesus Is Followed - Bryce's StoryJesus Is Followed - Jeff's StoryJesus Is Followed - Lily's StoryJesus Is Followed - Sarah's StoryClean SlateTake. Your MatHe Ain't HeavyFind Another WayPick Up And GoIt's Not About This LifeMan's Rules & God's LawLord of the SabbathTo Do Good or HarmWithered-Hand FaithGrace and TruthLooking for the RootsThe Wandering PathA Powerful ForceFinally!Do You See Them?Is Your Faith Enough?Ebony and Ivory
March
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April
The Lifting of HandsWorship Your WayGod Is The WindThe Trap of Human WisdomThe Danger of ComplacencyThe Quest for Meaning Apart from GodThe Futility of Living for the MomentThe Illusion of Self-righteousnessHe Is Risen!Lightning BugsIf?Pure WorshipStanding in LineI Surrender...Releasing ControlReplacements
2020
March
I Am The Good Shepherd Shepherd LeadershipI Am the Good Shepherd that Keeps the GateShepherding the TeamI Am The Good Shepherd: A Note from a Thankful SheepTime OutFour DaysUp from the GraveResurrection LifeThe Shadow of DeathMore Than an Empty TombLet\'s Not Get DistractedThis Is No Time to Be TroubledJesus Christ Is The Way
April
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May
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