Series: Shaped by Environment 
Message: Proximal
Preacher: Jessyka Albert
Daily Walk: Jessyka Albert

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 69:34-36.

Read: Esther 5-7 (NLT). As you read the New Living Translation, note 1-3 insights/questions.

Reflect:  Esther is a perfect reminder of how faith works. God has promised to care for us and to keep his people safe. In his commentary on Esther, Warren W. Wiersbe reminds us of how biblically Esther acts:

What Esther did ranks among the great deeds of faith in Scripture and could have been recorded in Hebrews 11. It wasn’t enough for the Jews to pray and have faith that God would work. Somebody had to act, for “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). But Esther wasn’t operating on the basis of “blind faith.” She knew that God has covenanted with the Jews to deal with their enemies (Gen. 12:1-3). She also knew that the God of Israel was a forgiving God who would hear His people when they humbled themselves and prayed (2 Chron. 7:14). Furthermore, God had allowed a remnant of Jews to return to their land and rebuild the temple. Surely it wasn’t God’s will that they perish and their work stop (p. 134).

As Christians, and as individuals, we understand these same promises, but we also get tripped up by any minor setback. Esther had faith that God had a plan, but she also knew that she was part of that plan. We are reminded of God freeing His children from slavery in Egypt, and of Moses leading the way to make this happen. Esther now sees that she too must lead the way. God is calling and she must follow. 

It’s human nature to overanalyze even the most minor of setbacks. We tend to focus on what is right in front of us rather than looking at the bigger picture. We tend to let our current environment take control of our minds and actions—but Esther did not do any of these things. She proceeded forward with God’s plan. Haman’s interference was just a speck on the windshield. Esther was determined to put on the wipers and keep driving.

Recalibrate: ​ 

1. What setbacks are shaping your environment this week?
2. How do you react when things don’t go according to plan?

Respond: Pray for faith.

Research: Read Hebrews 11.