Unexpected Witnesses

At the end of Esther’s story, we have the same king as at the beginning, King Ahasuerus. We have the same kingdom, where he reigns from India to Ethiopia, more than 127 provinces. We have the same country, Persia.

The Ride of Your Life

Talk about the power of a woman! Can you believe Esther’s diplomacy and sensitivity, even in the midst of pleading for her life and the lives of her people? “If we were only being sold into slavery, I wouldn’t have troubled you with this matter.”

The Cause

Is that a great answer or what? Is this a great woman? She’s had only a few moments to consider what Mordecai had told her, a brief slice of time to weigh his counsel. It was all she needed. She is determined to make a difference.

I’m Available

Let’s look at Haman. This guy hates Mordecai not just because he’s a Jew, but because Mordecai will not bow down to him. So Haman talks the king into a game plan. “If you follow my rules, I will pour money into your treasury.”

Make a Difference

Only one missionary invests his whole life in a remote area, and an entire tribe is ultimately evangelized. Only one statesman stands for right, and a country is saved.

The Big Leagues

We read about Elijah and we say, “Wow, he’s in the big leagues. He’s a spiritual giant. I’m a pygmy in comparison to him. He’s in another world entirely.” Not true. Look again. James doesn’t say, “Elijah was a mighty prophet of God.”

No Doubt

In the first verse in 1 Kings 18, there is an eloquent phrase: “The word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year.” Three years! That’s an incredibly long time to go without rain. We can’t imagine it, can we?

The Brook Has Dried Up

One morning Elijah noticed that the brook wasn’t gushing over the rocks or running as freely as it had in days past. Since that single stream of water was his lifeline, he checked it carefully.

God’s Provisions

The ravens were God’s catering service, delivering provisions to His prophet. “The ravens will bring in your food, Elijah.” Isn’t that incredible? God makes provision for Elijah’s physical welfare during this time of seclusion.

A Step at a Time

God’s direction includes God’s provision. God says, “Go to the brook. I will provide.” Vance Havner, in his book, It Is Toward Evening, tells the story of a group of farmers who were raising cotton in the Deep South when the devastating boll weevil invaded the crops. These men had put all of their savings, dedicated all of their fields, set all of their hopes in cotton.