Devotionals

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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 (NIV)

A Shift of View

Joe was dissatisfied.

Sure, his prosperous farm provided a good living, but somehow there seemed to be something missing in his life. At first he had enjoyed the challenges of building up the place, but now it had become just become... well, just routine. So Joe decided to make a change and get a new place.

With this in mind, he contacted Fred, his real estate agent friend, and arranged to have him sell the old place and find him something new. 

Then a few days later as Joe decided to begin the search for a new place he browsed through Fred’s local ads to see if he could find anything promising. One local property Fred offered sounded impressive – fertile land, a roomy house, and lots of appeal. Joe quickly called Fred and asked to see the listed property, saying it might be just what he wanted. 

Fred seemed surprised at the call. “But that's your place!" he said, and then added “If it sounds great that’s because it is! In fact I wondered why you wanted to sell.” 

After a pause, Joe quickly responded. “You know, you’re right! So just cancel the ads and let’s forget it. I’ll just enjoy what I’ve got.” Another pause. “And thanks for the new perspective!” 

Like Joe, Esther in our passage also got a new perspective from Mordechai’s observations about her being part of God’s plan to save her people the Jews. And occasionally I experience the same in my spiritual life.

It usually occurs when I emerge from a time of overwhelming struggle laden with fears and worries and then think back about it. Then often when I do that I suddenly fully realize God’s ongoing presence and provision - something I’d never considered till then.

It is then that I truly understand that when I emerge I’m not only intact but with a stronger faith. In a God that provides new perspectives – for my benefit and his glory.

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