Esther had it made in the shade, so to speak. As a Hebrew and aside from the fact she was queen, she was destined for the same fate as the rest of her people. When the king listened to bad counsel that promised to eradicate the Jews from the face of the earth, she could have relaxed and trusted her queenly position as reason for hope. But she chose instead to listen to wise counsel and align her hopes with the God of her people.

I can't count the number of times in my life I've been in a position whereby I indirectly affected others with my decision. Just looking at my family alone, they are today where my earlier decisions, no matter whether good or bad took them. In my work today, I will affect many people, employees, customers and vendors, through the decisions I make. And in this ministry, my choices will affect how God's purpose is played out. No doubt, you too have similar influence if you will stop and think about it.

I love Esther's story because it is one where the underdog wins. I've always been thrilled to hear a story where a little guy, like David as a young shepherd, wins. They overcome incredible odds to face and ultimately defeat someone who has superior strength, skill and resources.

But Esther was human. At first, she didn't believe her uncle when he told her of the horrible potential affect of her indecision. But she considered the possible gain worth the risk and acted fearlessly in the face of danger. As a result, God not only delivered her, but her people as well. And Haman, the nemesis who plotted to destroy the Jews, was even killed by the very device he planned to use on God's people.

This morning, I ask you to consider the possibility that you're in a particular position at a particular time to do just as Esther did. Think about this: God has been grooming you for the opportunity of a lifetime that may happen today. If so, I pray you will act like Esther and consider the smallest thing done for God is greater than anything this world can afford you.

But looking back, you might be of the opinion you missed your "opportunity." If so, I have good news for you: you can redeem the time by approaching God and confessing your sin of negligence and complacency. Promise to watch and listen for opportunity and responsibility. I don;t know if you'll get the same opportunity, but He is God of the second-chance.

God loves those who by faith act fearlessly in the face of danger to defeat evil. But He also loves those who repent of their failures and even and though having been defeated in the past, will rise to learn from it and then prevail through God's strength. I wouldn't be surprised to learn He finds the recovery of the helpless more pleasing than the heroic actions of the capable.

So if you're defeated, helpless and discouraged, pray and you can find God is able to make you victorious, strong and faithful even thought the world has knocked you down and counts you out.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Es. 4:1-7:10 1 Co. 12:1-26 Ps. 36:1-12 Pr. 21:21-22 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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