Today’s Bible Verse
All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any person, be it man or woman, who shall go into the inner court to the king without being called shall be put to death; there is but one law for him, except [him] to whom the king shall hold out the golden scepter, that he may live. But I have not been called to come to the king for these thirty days. And they told Mordecai what Esther said. Then Mordecai told them to return this answer to Esther, Do not flatter yourself that you shall escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?
Esther 4:11-14 (AMPC)
Do Not Be Silent
Living an uncommon life is about surrendering it all to God and living for Him. If God says it I believe it! Esther, was a beautiful young woman, and was chosen to be queen. It was not only because of her beauty, but because of her obedience and the favor of God on her life. A decree had gone forth for the annihilation of the Jews. But her resolve to risk it all and to lay down her life for the purpose of saving her people is inspiring.
She demonstrated uncommon courage, strength and love. She was willing to carry out God’s purpose for her life, regardless of personal cost. Though she could have been put to death for going to see the king uninvited; she knew that there was a cause greater at stake than herself. She risked her life in order to have an opportunity to speak with the king. In essence, she stood in the gap for the salvation of her people. She used the platform of influence that she had for the benefit of others. Because of her fearlessness, the slaughter of her people was prevented. She chose not to remain silent. She stepped out of the confines of what was comfortable and into uncertainty. She placed her absolute trust and faith in God.
Esther’s act of faith is a great reminder that God has a unique purpose for each and every one of our lives. No matter what we may have gone through in the past, God uses the least of us to accomplish His will. He is reminding us that it is in His strength and not our own. When we trust and obey His will, we will succeed. (Pastor Patti Matanza, Word of Life Yokohama)
An Uncommon Life
What has God called you to do? Have you listened and obeyed? Or did you place it in the back burner? Recently, the Lord placed it upon my heart to pray for people around me more. No matter how seemingly inconvenient it may be, to go ahead and do it anyways. So I laid hands and prayed for a student of mine who was suffering from an excruciating back injury. I laid my hands on her and prayed right in the middle of the parking lot, while her mom was crying not knowing what to do. The next time I saw her, she was completely restored back to health.
This past week I was having a conversation with the middle school principal, and the Holy Spirit prompted me to pray for her. She had been recently diagnosed with skin cancer and so I ministered a word of encouragement and offered to pray for her healing. She was so happy and grateful at the fact that I cared enough for her to invest time in her and pray for her miracle. We have to step out of our comfort zone even if it means we have to go outside of our normal routine. We are to live the uncommon life that God has called us to live. Don’t be silent about your faith in Christ. Be unashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ for He has called you for such a time as this.
Today’s Declaration
By the grace of God, I will not be silent. I choose to be unashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation. I will seize every opportunity God gives me to testify of His goodness and faithfulness. Amen!
Today’s Bible Reading
- Old Testament: Leviticus 5-7; Psalms 39
- New Testament: Matthew 17:14-27; Acts 24
