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If we are ever to get it right, then we must know
and understand God for who He is as revealed in
the Bible. Perhaps there is no greater time we
need to know Him than when we are facing a
crisis. It is crucial that we understand and know
the ways of God when our dreams and hopes are
simmering in the crucible of process.
The maiden Esther found herself in the fires of
purpose, as she was thrust from being a simple
pretty Jewish girl to being a candidate for queen.
If chosen, she’d become the queen of a nation who
persecuted the Jews—her people—and failed to
and understand God for who He is as revealed in
the Bible. Perhaps there is no greater time we
need to know Him than when we are facing a
crisis. It is crucial that we understand and know
the ways of God when our dreams and hopes are
simmering in the crucible of process.
The maiden Esther found herself in the fires of
purpose, as she was thrust from being a simple
pretty Jewish girl to being a candidate for queen.
If chosen, she’d become the queen of a nation who
persecuted the Jews—her people—and failed to
comprehend her God.
Last month, we began looking at the story of Esther to uncover ten principles of purpose. Today,
we’ll continue to explore Chapter 2 of Esther to learn more of how God reveals Himself and our
purpose, through process. Prayerfully you will gain a greater understanding of how God works in
the Believer's life.
1. Purpose requires the investment of others: Once Esther was chosen, she was taken
from her family and placed under the care of the king’s eunuch, Hegai. According to the Bible,
Esther found favor with him and he paid special attention to her needs and preparation (Esther 2:8-
9).
In those times, it was common for a castrated male to be given charge of handling the king’s
harems. As a eunuch, Hegai was incapable of physically desiring or pursuing a sexual relationship
with Esther. His desires represented no threat to the king, nor would he try to unduly assert
himself in areas that were beyond his authority.
When God is processing you for your purpose, He will send supporters to aid you in your pursuit.
Their sole agenda will be helping you because it is what their king has assigned them to do. They
will invest their time, talent and skill in helping you step into your destiny. There will be no
competing agendas, jealousies or muddied hearts—just hands joined together to make you your
best. Believe me you will need them when the haters inevitably begin to surface.
2. You will have to go through to get to: In Esther 2:12, we see that women were prescribed
beauty regiments, which included treatment with myrrh. During those times, myrrh was also used
in the embalming or anointing of the dead. The oil of myrrh came to be associated with mortality,
suffering and sorrow.
In the world where we choose our god, we don’t have to suffer. We get what we want and life is just
one big shopping trip. But in the real world, our God sometimes beautifies us through heartache
and disappointment. We become women of wisdom as we learn to trust in God’s plan more than we
trust in the information we receive through our sensory touch with the world.
Our increasing dependence on God and our trust in Him is what qualifies us to operate in positions
of leadership and authority, while being responsible for others. Suffering positions us for purpose,
because when endured righteously it decreases focus on self and increases dependence on God.
I wish I could promise you days filled with sunshine and roses, but in reality, the road to purpose is
paved with many dreary days and tear-filled nights. But, who we become on the journey is well
worth the times that crucify our flesh on the way to our destination.
Live It!
Continue to study Esther 2. This week, identify the potential Hegai(s) in your life. Look and
expect God to bring people who see the “queen” in you and are willing to invest in your vision.
Next week, spend some time journaling about a previous difficult season in your life. Identify the
beauty that came from that trying time. How has it enabled you to be and do more for the
Kingdom? Truthfully examine whether or not you would have been able to make those changes
otherwise.
Last month, we began looking at the story of Esther to uncover ten principles of purpose. Today,
we’ll continue to explore Chapter 2 of Esther to learn more of how God reveals Himself and our
purpose, through process. Prayerfully you will gain a greater understanding of how God works in
the Believer's life.
1. Purpose requires the investment of others: Once Esther was chosen, she was taken
from her family and placed under the care of the king’s eunuch, Hegai. According to the Bible,
Esther found favor with him and he paid special attention to her needs and preparation (Esther 2:8-
9).
In those times, it was common for a castrated male to be given charge of handling the king’s
harems. As a eunuch, Hegai was incapable of physically desiring or pursuing a sexual relationship
with Esther. His desires represented no threat to the king, nor would he try to unduly assert
himself in areas that were beyond his authority.
When God is processing you for your purpose, He will send supporters to aid you in your pursuit.
Their sole agenda will be helping you because it is what their king has assigned them to do. They
will invest their time, talent and skill in helping you step into your destiny. There will be no
competing agendas, jealousies or muddied hearts—just hands joined together to make you your
best. Believe me you will need them when the haters inevitably begin to surface.
2. You will have to go through to get to: In Esther 2:12, we see that women were prescribed
beauty regiments, which included treatment with myrrh. During those times, myrrh was also used
in the embalming or anointing of the dead. The oil of myrrh came to be associated with mortality,
suffering and sorrow.
In the world where we choose our god, we don’t have to suffer. We get what we want and life is just
one big shopping trip. But in the real world, our God sometimes beautifies us through heartache
and disappointment. We become women of wisdom as we learn to trust in God’s plan more than we
trust in the information we receive through our sensory touch with the world.
Our increasing dependence on God and our trust in Him is what qualifies us to operate in positions
of leadership and authority, while being responsible for others. Suffering positions us for purpose,
because when endured righteously it decreases focus on self and increases dependence on God.
I wish I could promise you days filled with sunshine and roses, but in reality, the road to purpose is
paved with many dreary days and tear-filled nights. But, who we become on the journey is well
worth the times that crucify our flesh on the way to our destination.
Live It!
Continue to study Esther 2. This week, identify the potential Hegai(s) in your life. Look and
expect God to bring people who see the “queen” in you and are willing to invest in your vision.
Next week, spend some time journaling about a previous difficult season in your life. Identify the
beauty that came from that trying time. How has it enabled you to be and do more for the
Kingdom? Truthfully examine whether or not you would have been able to make those changes
otherwise.
tantrums and desires. A god who does everything you want him to do, when you want him to do it
and how you want it done. At first thought it might seem that it would make life easier, but if you
really think about it…would that be the kind of god you could serve?
I venture to say, “No.” In fact, I’ll step out even farther and say that it is our construction of God
in our image that has crippled and disabled many of us in the pursuit of purpose-filled lives.
We are unable to avail ourselves of the power He has for us, because we have not yet seen who He
really is. Our view of God is fundamental to the way we live and experience life. If we believe in a
willy-nilly god, then our walk will probably lead more people away from the cross than it does to
it.
and how you want it done. At first thought it might seem that it would make life easier, but if you
really think about it…would that be the kind of god you could serve?
I venture to say, “No.” In fact, I’ll step out even farther and say that it is our construction of God
in our image that has crippled and disabled many of us in the pursuit of purpose-filled lives.
We are unable to avail ourselves of the power He has for us, because we have not yet seen who He
really is. Our view of God is fundamental to the way we live and experience life. If we believe in a
willy-nilly god, then our walk will probably lead more people away from the cross than it does to
it.
Monday April 11, 2011
| EEWMAGAZINE.COM |
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Quoted as one of today's leading
motivational speakers by ESSENCE
magazine, Leadher Coach Scott™ shares
life-changing truths with practical wisdom,
humor and insight. Currently, a columnist
for StreamingFaith.com, her workshops
and seminars are popular at women's,
singles' and youth conferences. For more
info, also visit feliciascott.com or myspace.
com/upliftagency. Follow her at www.twitter.
com/coachfelicia.
Email Coach Scott:
coachscott@eewmagazine.com
Connect on Facebook
Facebook.com
motivational speakers by ESSENCE
magazine, Leadher Coach Scott™ shares
life-changing truths with practical wisdom,
humor and insight. Currently, a columnist
for StreamingFaith.com, her workshops
and seminars are popular at women's,
singles' and youth conferences. For more
info, also visit feliciascott.com or myspace.
com/upliftagency. Follow her at www.twitter.
com/coachfelicia.
Email Coach Scott:
coachscott@eewmagazine.com
Connect on Facebook
Facebook.com
| Copyright © 2011-2014 EEW Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. |
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For years, I lived in pursuit of a God that I
believed could be impressed by my human
standards of morality. I faithfully did what
was right, but my love for Him wasn’t the
motivation. I did it out of fear of His
retribution and in a futile attempt to earn His
favor. My righteousness was false. I ended
up frustrated and bitter when God, from my
perspective, failed me. I couldn’t
understand how my strivings had not earned
the things I believed I deserved.
Now I want you to imagine, if you will, a god
that you control, who gives in to your
believed could be impressed by my human
standards of morality. I faithfully did what
was right, but my love for Him wasn’t the
motivation. I did it out of fear of His
retribution and in a futile attempt to earn His
favor. My righteousness was false. I ended
up frustrated and bitter when God, from my
perspective, failed me. I couldn’t
understand how my strivings had not earned
the things I believed I deserved.
Now I want you to imagine, if you will, a god
that you control, who gives in to your
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