June 17 - Willing To Perish.

Esther 4:16
“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”
 
Esther was willing to do what was not only unlawful, but deadly. She knew the consequences, but the life of her people was at stake. 
 
Esther 4:14
“…who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
 
God had placed her there for a reason.
Have you ever considered that God has you where you are right now for a specific purpose?
 
She encouraged others to contribute, because she knew she could not to do this on her own. They fasted for her while she fasted in faith that He would provide.
 
Sometimes, we must use extraordinary measures to seek the Lord and His provision.
 
Mark 9:29
“And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”
 
She had faith to do what she could.
“…and so will I go…”
 
She was willing to die for her faith.
“…and if I perish, I perish.”
 
Whatever happened, she knew God had a plan.
She only desired to follow Him. On the third day, Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the court of the king in faith that God would intervene.
 
Esther 5:2
“And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.”
 
God’s timing is everything.
He knows who, what, when, where, and how something or someone is needed.
 
Esther’s faith enabled her to be used by the Lord in such a special way; but she is not the only one He desires to use for His glory. 
 
God has you where you are for such a time as this.
There are no coincidences to what you are facing. 
 
Acts 20:24
“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
 
Seek the Lord for guidance, and when He directs…yield to Him, regardless of the consequences.
 
 
Bible Reading:
2 Kings 13-14   |    Ephesians 1