I’m reading and SOAPing my way through Esther. Today I am sharing my SOAP response to chapter four. If you’re looking for a devotional guide or Bible reading plan, I’d love for you to join me. Here’s what stood out to me today:
Scripture: Esther 4:14
For if you remain silent at his 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?”
Observation:
Mordecai is trying to convince Esther to be brave and confront the king. He points out to her that she has the opportunity, and perhaps an obligation, to speak up, explaining that perhaps this is why she is where she is at this time.
Application:
There are so many things in my life that, when I look back on the path that brought me to them, I can see God’s fingerprints all over them.
To be honest, I’m not sure if God orchestrates events to make other things happen, or if he shows us how to react to certain things, giving us that opportunity to set in motion plans for other things, but, either way, I am convinced that He is the Master Planner.
Just like with Esther, I have the choice every day to act in his accordance and be a partner in His plan or to ignore Him. Sometimes there are big decisions that play into big things, and sometimes there are seemingly inconsequential things that play into big things… but I do believe that each decision and action is tied together. Sometimes just making that decision to get up, ask for God’s guidance and input and then tackle the to dos is that big step. And, as in Esther’s case in this passage, sometimes it might be a potentially life-threatening, bolder appearing decision.
By seeking Him and doing my best to listen and follow, I have a better chance of following His plan. He’s got it set out for me. He knows. I cannot tell you how often I have looked back over events in my life and realized just how each step, opportunity or experience so clearly led to the next one, when viewed in hindsight. What about you? Do you see things that way, too?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your guidance and love. You have prepared me for just this moment in my life, and you are preparing me for many more to come. Please continue to guide me. Pull me back when I wander. Help me to stay on track, your track. You amaze me. When I look back on all the blessings you have brought me, and all the paths you have shown me I am so thankful. And I am even more convinced that yes, you ARE the Master Planner. And you have good things in mind for me. It’s just up to me to listen, follow and act.
Are you reading alongside me? If so, what grabbed you in today’s passage? Have you ever looked back on a chain of events in your life, thought through all the pieces and were amazed at how they all came together? Please tell me in the comments…
If you’d like to join me, tomorrow I will be sharing my SOAP response to chapter five of Esther.
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Wondering what SOAP is? Click over to read What is SOAP?
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