June 22, 2006 - Esther 6-8 and Acts 6
It is so amazing how God can change circumstances completely and cause the opposite thing to happen from what we expect. This truth alone should keep us from worrying so much, and it should turn us to prayer, knowing that God is able to work His will at any time. As you read these passages today, think about God's great power in the affairs of life and commit yourself to trust Him more, instead of worrying.
Esther 6-8 tells us how God turned the situation against Haman and in favor of the Jews. It started with the king not being able to sleep. (6:1) Do you think God had anything to do with that? I do, because then, God had them read about the plot that was foiled by Mordecai. Didn't you love how God worked it out that Haman was right there at the right time to be the one who the king called on to honor Mordecai? Then, the second banquet of Esther spelled out the plan of Haman and brought his death. Why? Because Esther had the favor of God and the king. Instead of the Jews being killed, Esther received Haman's property. Mordecai was put in charge of it. The Jews were given the right to fight their enemies and to get rid of them completely. What a change! They went from fear of their lives to complete victory. It all came from the Lord after they fasted and prayed for His divine intervention. God is faithful. Have you realized the power of God that is unleashed through prayer and fasting? I pray that you will practice praying regularly and sincerely. God can change the circumstances in your life just as dramatically as He did for Esther and the Jews.
In Acts 6 there is a big change, too. At the beginning of the chapter there is discord, and then, God brings unity and a revival. How did that happen? They apostles solved the problem of the food distribution in God's way by appointing godly men to handle it, and they stayed with the ministry of the Word and prayer. Because they trusted God, He brought a great result out of a bad situation. Then, God even began to use one of these previously unknown men to confound the Jews with his wisdom. Stephen doesn't just distribute food to widows, but he shares God's Word in power. What a change in his life, because of the bad situation and being called out by God. The same is true today. God can turn a bad situation into many blessings, if we will trust Him instead of doing things our own way.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Esther 9-10 and Acts 7:1-21.
Esther 6-8 tells us how God turned the situation against Haman and in favor of the Jews. It started with the king not being able to sleep. (6:1) Do you think God had anything to do with that? I do, because then, God had them read about the plot that was foiled by Mordecai. Didn't you love how God worked it out that Haman was right there at the right time to be the one who the king called on to honor Mordecai? Then, the second banquet of Esther spelled out the plan of Haman and brought his death. Why? Because Esther had the favor of God and the king. Instead of the Jews being killed, Esther received Haman's property. Mordecai was put in charge of it. The Jews were given the right to fight their enemies and to get rid of them completely. What a change! They went from fear of their lives to complete victory. It all came from the Lord after they fasted and prayed for His divine intervention. God is faithful. Have you realized the power of God that is unleashed through prayer and fasting? I pray that you will practice praying regularly and sincerely. God can change the circumstances in your life just as dramatically as He did for Esther and the Jews.
In Acts 6 there is a big change, too. At the beginning of the chapter there is discord, and then, God brings unity and a revival. How did that happen? They apostles solved the problem of the food distribution in God's way by appointing godly men to handle it, and they stayed with the ministry of the Word and prayer. Because they trusted God, He brought a great result out of a bad situation. Then, God even began to use one of these previously unknown men to confound the Jews with his wisdom. Stephen doesn't just distribute food to widows, but he shares God's Word in power. What a change in his life, because of the bad situation and being called out by God. The same is true today. God can turn a bad situation into many blessings, if we will trust Him instead of doing things our own way.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Esther 9-10 and Acts 7:1-21.