And in this season and timing of God's plan and purpose for us He's not only been testing us, but preparing us just like He prepared Esther. But what areas did God test her in?
1. Faith. As we read through the book of Ether we see that she was a woman of faith in her God. We will also see how she put her faith into action and the consequences of that faith ultimately delivered her people from impending death and destruction. God had a plan and He had a purpose.
But what does faith do? It enables us to believe in what God has spoken to us through His word even when we can't see a way out of our circumstances, a way through, or light in the midst of our darkest hour.
In James 1:3 it says: Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance
What does this word endurance mean: It is the quality that does not surrender to circumstances.
My prayer for you today is that God will reveal unto you a greater revelation of faith and an understanding why God uses tests to reveal and expose just where and in whom our faith lies.
In Hebrews 11:1 tells us: Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things (we) hope for, being the proof of things (we) do not see and the conviction (a belief that is held firmly) of their reality (faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses).
God is testing our faith on a new level and why? Because of the times we live in. We are called to live by faith and not by sight. If we were to focus only at the circumstances around us we probably would bury our head in the sand to escape or run as far as we could from the situation so we wouldn't have to face it. This is where endurance is tested and called into action.
2. Esther was a woman God could trust: And that trust was revealed when God put her through the biggest test of her life. Because when someone puts their trust in you it's because they've seen qualities in you and they know when times get tough those characteristics will come through. They know that the fruits of the Spirit are going to be manifested in you and through you. And that your going to stand in your position of responsibility and purpose. God had gifted her with purpose and he trusted her with the destiny of the Jewish people.
3. She was a woman of Courage: She had the ability and the boldness to face danger knowing the possibility of death in approaching the King. She faced uncertainty without being overcome with fear or allowing anything or anyone to prevent her from her chosen course of action.
Beloved, courage is facing the enemy head on in spite of your fear. Remember when David faced Goliath on the battle field? David stood in his authority and looked straight at the enemy and said: You come to me with a sward, a spear and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts.
God took what appeared to be an impossible situation for David and the army of Israel and turned it into victory and sent the enemy running in defeat.
4. She was a woman of Purpose: Before the decree had been issued to destroy the Jewish people, Esther had no idea of the plans and purpose for her becoming Queen. But once she knew what she had to do......Her purpose was set in motion......She focused in on her mark......Took her aim......And shot the arrow into the heart of the enemy.
5. Esther walked in Humility: In her attitude and obedience to Mordecdai's request. She not only humbled herself before God, but showed a quiet meekness to those that served her in the palace by calling a fast once she heard the news that Haman (which was Prime Minister under King Ahasuerus) had a plan to destroy the Jews.
In Proverbs 22:4 tells us: The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and life.
6. She had a Servants Heart: She was willing to serve her people and serve her God even if it meant death. God took her from being an orphan to a queen and from poverty to untold riches and wealth.
7. Esther was called to Unite her people: Because God had given her a plan and a strategy and that was that Esther and her people were to come together to fast and intercede for three days.
This is interesting to note that the number 3 biblically represents: Resurrection, Perfection and Divine Completeness
And this is what the Lord is going to do in your life. He will give you a plan and a strategy to defeat the enemy in your life. And where there is unity there is power because when we come into agreement with God and His Kingdom Purposes, resurrection comes to those things that you thought were dead. Healing is manifested in your body, your mind and in your emotions. Restoration talks place and the power and the anointing that you have walked in is not only restored, but God brings increase.
This is why the power of "Agreement" is so important. If we look up the word
agreement in the dictionary this is how it is explained: You come into a contract that is binding and enforced. It is having total consent in a situation in which everyone accepts the same terms and has the same opinion. It's standing in the Authority and Power of the Kingdom of Heaven and enforcing what's already been done as Matthew 16: 18,19 tells us:
Verse 18: And on this rock I will build My church and the gates of Hades (the powers of the internal region) shall not overpower it (or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it).
Verse 19: I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven.
Part of these keys to the kingdom are standing in His Authority and His Power. When we stand in our Kingdom Authority we are established, immovable and remain permanently in position. And when we pray, those prayers go forth as spiritual warfare that acts like an arrow that hits it's target and penetrate the darkness like bolts of lightning.
When we stand in our Authority and Power, heaven back us up and nothing can stand against us.
Next week part II
Blessings,
Elma Garlock
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