Lies We Believe – Week Five

The subtitle of Mark Batterson’s book Chase the Lion is if your dream doesn’t scare you, it’s too small. In context, Mark is talking about chasing God-ordained and God-sized dreams. When we truly walk with God, we venture into the impossible. We step out of what we can control and into complete dependence on our Heavenly Father. 

The vast majority of us need to let go of the lie that following God equals easy. The truth is, following God is no easy-breezy walk in the park. It is an adventure, a surrendering, and a challenge. Listen to how Jesus describes it, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23 NASB)

Throughout this series, we have been looking at Biblical examples of when the limits of humanity meet God-ordained circumstances and callings. Today, I want to point you to a lady named Esther. When we first meet Esther, she is a Jewish orphan exiled in Babylon. On most accounts, she is just an ordinary girl, except the Bible notes she was “beautiful of form and face.” (Esther 2:7)

Before long, this Jewish girl finds herself intersecting the twisted life of the Babylonian King Ahasuerus. This king was looking for a new queen and gathered young ladies with potential. It seems Esther’s beauty placed her in the running. Interestingly, even in this ungodly process led by a pagan ruler, it is clear that God is working. We are repeatedly told Esther found favor – so much favor that she is crowned queen. 

From my perspective, that seems to be enough change and challenge for one lady to face, but God is just beginning His plan for Esther. After Esther rises to queenship, a high official threatens the Jewish people. Esther’s cousin Mordecai alerts her to the plot against her people and pleads for her to use her position to save the Jewish people. 

Esther is at a crossroads. She is asked to step into what seems like an impossible situation. Her husband, King Ahasuerus, is an impulsive man. According to the law of the land, entering his presence without permission could result in death. And even if the king accepts her visit, there is no guarantee he will listen to her plea. Oh, and one more thing, the king is unaware that his beautiful wife is part of the exiled and despised Jewish people. 

Esther explains all of her concerns and hesitations to Cousin Mordecai. Instead of letting her off the hook, he challenges her. Remember what we said early about God-sized dreams? They are scary. They take us beyond what we can control or predict and place us in God’s hands. Mordecai shares this point of view. Here is what he says to Esther, “If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13)

Mordecai’s words go straight to the heart of the matter. What if Esther is right where she is for this very purpose? What if it is not random chance she is queen right now? What if God placed her in power to save her people?

Esther had a choice. She could play it safe but ultimately lose, or she could risk her life for a greater victory. If you keep reading the story, you know that Esther chooses to step into the unknown and impossible, and God shows up. The favor continues. Her husband hears her cry and protects the Jewish people. 

Now, what about you and me? 

I’ll be honest and tell you I typically avoid feeling frightened. You won’t find me watching scary or overly suspenseful movies. I prefer predictable and safe. But God is not predictable, and following Him most often takes us far from our comfort zone.

Like Esther, I am learning that God is at work in both the big and small moments and that His dreams and plans far exceed mine. And if I want to experience Him and be used for His Kingdom, I have to be willing to step out into those situations that are impossible in my strengths and only achievable by His divine power.