Chizobam.

The Book of Esther

The book of Esther is unique because it is one of two books in the Bible that never mentions God’s name. And yet, to any reader, it is quite evident that God’s divine power is shown on every page. The book, in its entirety, is an account of God’s unfailing presence in our lives and how He orchestrates events to fulfill His promises. God has a perfect plan for our lives, and as such, no attempt to destroy the purpose of God can ever succeed when we follow His directions.

The book begins with Queen Vashti getting deposed, followed by a nationwide search for a new, young, and attractive queen for King Xerxes. Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, is one of many women chosen to be a part of the king’s harem. However, Esther was set apart: she won the king’s favor and was installed as queen.

Queen Esther

After Esther is crowned as queen, her cousin, Mordecai, becomes involved in a power struggle with the grand vizier Haman because Mordecai refuses to bow to him. Mordecai’s resistance infuriates Haman to such a degree that he vows to kill not only Mordecai but the entire Jewish people. He hatches a plot and tricks the king into permitting him to do so.

Once Mordecai hears of this plot, he rushes to inform Queen Esther, begging her to use her position of power to change their fate in the book’s most famous verse:

“For if you remain silent at this 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 your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

After hearing this, Esther resolves to do what she must to save her people, even if it could put her life at risk.

“I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16b

So, Queen Esther appears unsummoned before King Xerxes. In a stunning turn of events, not only does he not kill her, but he promises to grant her any request. In response, she asks for a simple dinner party. And during a second party, Esther reveals her identity as a Jew and accuses Haman of plotting to destroy her and her people. The king is enraged by this news and rushes to her defense. He executes Haman and gives the Jews permission to defend themselves from their enemies, which they do with great success. Through Esther, God delivers His people.

Lessons from Queen Esther

I believe that the most important message we as believers can learn from Esther is that God’s power is working in our lives, and it is far greater than any challenge we may face. God’s involvement manifests in every detail of the story. Only through Him could an obscure Jewish orphan be exalted to the highest position a woman could hold and be so highly regarded by the king.

So, irrespective of whatever challenge you are facing in your life, understand that the Almighty God is ordering and orchestrating every detail. You are His child, and as such, He is accomplishing His perfect will for your life. God is never surprised and is never late. Every facet of our lives He oversees for His eternal glory. His timing is providential, and through Him, the works of our hands are blessed.

Once we understand this, it becomes clear how imperative it is that we obey His commands, standing in courage even if they lead us down a path that seems dangerous or unpopular.

As we go about our lives, let’s remember that God’s directions are unfailing. He has mapped out every detail of our lives: our job is to follow His path.

The end

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Except where indicated, Scriptures are from the NIV.

© Queen Esther: Following God’s Plan for Our Lives. Beautiful in Jesus. All Rights Reserved.

The post Queen Esther: Following God’s Plan for Our Lives appeared first on Beautiful in Jesus.

“Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.” Isaiah 8:12 NIV

This Scripture is such a critical warning for this season.

Many conspiracy theories have been flying around; the COVID vaccine, the mark of the beast, racism, politics, global economy, our bosses at work, and the list goes on. People have many opinions about the current climate, which may appear reasonable, but if their suggestions counteract God’s Word, I refuse to buy into it.

Do not fear what they fear.

There is fear in the atmosphere. There’s a heaviness in the current climate, and people are just so caught up in a frenzy. My response to this invitation to fear is to stand on God’s Word, make it my yardstick, and act accordingly.

As a Christian with a blood-bought covenant (Hebrews 12:24), I must steer clear of nay sayings. No matter how tempting it is to join fear-peddling grumblers and complainers, I must speak what I hear my Father say about every situation and act according to His Word (2 Samuel 22:31NKJV).

I must learn to take a stand even when I am the only one standing. I must learn not to join the crowd. When people ask how things are going, expecting me to complain about my challenges, I can choose to speak the alternative. I can choose to speak life by declaring that God has given me the victory through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).

I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Therefore, I choose to shine that light into the darkness that surrounds me through the power of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in me.

Funke Afolabi-Brown

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown is a sleep medicine physician passionate about helping people discover the gift of sleep as a superpower. 

Dr. Brown is a speaker, coach, educator, writer, and the founder of RestfulSleepMD. She helps busy women and their children prioritize sleep to achieve optimal health, thrive, and live to their fullest potential. 

Dr. Brown is also passionate about empowering women through her gift of encouragement. She is a frequent speaker nationally and internationally.

Connect with Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown: RestfulSleepMD | YouTube | Instagram 

The post Do Not Fear What They Fear: An Exhortation appeared first on Beautiful in Jesus.

In preparation for Thanksgiving, I invited my three beautiful guest bloggers (aka my daughters) to write on the importance of thankfulness and to include the things they are personally thankful for.

The posts below were written by them. Aisosa is 10, Yobosa is 8 and Esosa is 5. (Esosa was interviewed by me.) My hope is that you will be blessed as you read.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Chizobam

Aisosa

America… oh America. On Thanksgiving, most of the population will be eating turkey, without being thankful for it! I mean there’s nothing wrong with turkey on Thanksgiving. It’s not like it’s a bad thing to eat turkey, but it’s a bad thing not be thankful for the turkey you are eating.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Almost 400 years ago, the first Thanksgiving was held to give thanks to God for a successful harvest…. They didn’t have modern medicine but they were praising God anyway.

Be thankful for God, food, shelter, clothing, family, the ability to be reading this blog. While you’re at it maybe you should give someone your special homemade brownies so that they’ll be thankful too. Spread the thankfulness.. It’ll make God happy.

I am thankful for…

• God: humanity would be non-existent with Him so I’m  very thankful for Him creating us and sending His Son Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins.

• The bible that educates me on God’s word.

• My family and friends, the most loving people in the universe.

• Shelter

• Warm clothes, especially when we’re playing in the snow.

• School. Even though I really don’t like having to get up early I’m still thankful for it.

• Food. Pizza mostly, but still food

• AND I AM THANKFUL ALL OF YOU LOVELY PEOPLE WHO HAVE READ THIS FAR, HAVE AN AMAZING  THANKSGIVING DAY!

Yobosa

God wants us to be thankful!

Being thankful shows that we are grateful for what we have and that we are not jealous of something someone else has. If you are thankful for what you have, it won’t  get taken away from you but if you aren’t, it may be taken away from you.

Don’t you know you’re very lucky? A lot of people don’t have what you have. Some people don’t have food or a house or money. Children don’t have toys or a school.

Appreciate all that has been done for you and all that you have. A lot of children who have access to good schools are not thankful for it even though it’s a good thing to have.

God sent his only Son Jesus so we could go to Heaven. He didn’t have to but He did. Be thankful for what God did. That’s how much He loves us. God wants us to be EXTREMELY thankful for what He and His Son did.

Give thanks to the Lord in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Being thankful is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!!!!!!! Always remember to be thankful!!!!!!!!

I am thankful for………

• God because He made me
• Jesus because he died for me
• My bible because it educates me on God’s word
• My family because they comfort me
• Friends because they make me laugh
• My house because it gives me shelter
• Clothes because they keep me warm
• My school because it educates me
• Food because it keeps me from starving
• Drinks because they help me swallow my food
• Books because they educate me and help my imagination
• Piano because it makes me happy

All these things are gifts that come from God. I am EXTREMELY thankful for them.

Have a fantabulous Thanksgiving everyone!

Esosa

I am thankful for:

• God
• Jesus
• Family
• Friends
• New dresses
• Grandma and Grandpa
• Toys

And Chizobam is especially thankful for these three beautiful blessings from God.

Have a happy Thanksgiving celebration everyone and remember to be thankful in ALL circumstances for that is the Lord’s will for you.

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