THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS
Esther's background :
Queen Vashti rebells against Xerxes
Xerxes banishes her from his presence and takes her crown
He sends people out to find a new queen
Esther's parents died and was raised by her cousin, Mordecai
The people who were searchimg for a queen saw her
She gained Xerxes' favour and become queen
Giant #1: An uncertain future (2:8)
Requests to join King's harem (a grp of women gathered for the King's sexual pleasure)
- she was afraid
Answer to an uncertain future:
1. Wisdom and Trust
2. Evaluate opportunity in light of knowledge of self and God's leading
Giant #2: Keeping my secret
"Don't tell anyone you are a jew " 2:19-20
Answer to keeping my secret:
1. Transparency
2. Face the challenge of identity, who you are
3. Remember your identity is in Christ, not what others think of you
Giant #3: Am I responsible for Others?
To what extent am I responsible for others
- 4:12-14 / She had to risk her life for the jews.
- Responsible to (God, authority, e.t.c.) , Responsible for (people under my care/supervision)
Answer to responsibility question?
-I am responsible for:
How I treat myself
How I treat others
-I am not responsible for:
How others treat me
How others treat others
How others treat themselves
Giant #4: Doing the right thing
Entering the presence of the king, with possibility of death, 4:15-5:2
- Can't control outcome
- Overwhelming fear
- Requires great courage
Courage : not the absence of fear, But doing what is right in spite of our fears
What to do about my giants:
1. Trust God
- God knows and cares about your situation
- pray for his guidance and assistance
2. Be wise
- Honestly identify our giants and compare it with the scripture
3. Be strong and courageous