Tuesday, May 05, 2009

In Other Words---Idling to Despair

Photobucket

“Mordecai understood that it is not failure that brings despair,
but unfaithfulness and idleness.”
~Dorothy Patterson, editor of Women’s Devotional Bible
Devotion: Service Through Providence, Esther 3:13-4:17


The writing appeared to be on the wall. There was not much that could be done. The annihilation of the Jewish people seemed to be inevitable.

Except.

Except, Mordecai had not lost sight of the fact that they were God's chosen people. Sackcloth and ashes were the signs of mourning about what was to come. But his words betray that he expects God to act. Not necessarily to save them all, because the language describes a remnant. But God will act.

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"
Esther 4:14


And if Esther does not use her position to address the King, then she too will perish--even when God acts.

Acting on what they believe God to be doing demonstrates their faithfulness and not despair.

I told someone recently that (in a specific situation) we have been proclaiming we are called "for such a time as this" not "such a time as a few years from now." We can delay, be idle and end up in despair. Or, we can be faithful to what we believe that God is calling and even if it fails know that God is pleased with the effort. I'll take the latter any day.

What are you idling over? Move forward. Don't despair. God honors the faithful efforts of his followers.

Patricia at Typing One Handed is our hostess this week. Come and be blessed!

6 comments:

Laurie Ann said...

God does honor our faithful acts. What an excellent call to action! Thanks for sharing a great post!

Susannah said...

Excellent! Really encouraging to get myself moving. I thoroughly enjoyed this post, MiPa. :~D

Carolyn said...

Great job on this post! thanks for sharing today

Esthermay Bentley-Goossen said...

Great encouragement here. I like the "such a time as a few years from now." That's the kick in the pants that some of us need!
THANKS!

Karen said...

Where am I idling? In more places than I probably should. Thanks for the post it was great.

Patricia said...

Miriam,
Thank you so much for participating! I know this idling feeling...my whole life I've been waiting for what comes next instead of completely focusing on what's happening now. Partially trained to think that way as a military dependent conditioned to the next change of duty station...partially because I'm not always faithful to appreciate God's urging whatever no matter the situation.

Great post!