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2. Purpose makes you—and your crew—a
target: Realizing that Mordecai won’t change his
mind, the other officials rat him out! Ironically,
Haman was so caught up in his ego that he hadn’t
noticed. But, the haters couldn’t leave it alone
(verse 5)!
Haters are a part of the process. Their issues with
you may not even be personal. Perhaps you
remind them of someone else or touch on their
feelings of inadequacy. They may resent your
confidence, freedom and conviction.
So, they plot against you and undermine your
efforts and reputation at every turn.
target: Realizing that Mordecai won’t change his
mind, the other officials rat him out! Ironically,
Haman was so caught up in his ego that he hadn’t
noticed. But, the haters couldn’t leave it alone
(verse 5)!
Haters are a part of the process. Their issues with
you may not even be personal. Perhaps you
remind them of someone else or touch on their
feelings of inadequacy. They may resent your
confidence, freedom and conviction.
So, they plot against you and undermine your
efforts and reputation at every turn.
But like Mordecai, you can’t retaliate in your own strength. God alone is your deliverer and His
favor is your greatest weapon!
3. The road will be risky: In Chapter 4, Haman leverages his influence with the king to
attempt genocide of the Jews. Hearing of this, Mordecai encourages Esther to go before the King
on behalf of her people.
The request was a dangerous one and could have cost Esther her life. Approaching a king who
hasn’t called for you was an action punishable by death. Plus, from earlier in the story we see that
King Xerxes didn’t have qualms discarding an old queen for a new one.
Like Esther, most of us would initially resist Mordecai’s suggestion. We sometimes talk ourselves
out of obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit, or, the counsel of friends, because we fear the
risk involved. Stepping forward requires that we confront our perceived inadequacies, while
letting go of false idols and comforts. We’d rather play it safe, but risk is involved in the process.
As readers, we clearly see God’s hand orchestrating events. But for Esther and Mordecai, there is
still the question posed in verse 14—was she brought to the kingdom for this very purpose?
However, life demanded action, so they had to take the chance. In our lives, we must accept that
the process will test our faith—even down to the last moment.
Live It! The fear of failure holds most of us captive and stands as a gulf between our reality and
dreams. Considering where you presently are in your life, what is the next big step of faith? This
step must be in an area where, like Mordecai and Esther, you see the shadow of God’s hand at
work. If you were to take that step, how would your life change? If you were to take it and fail,
how would God change? Journal these answers and study what they reveal about your process.
favor is your greatest weapon!
3. The road will be risky: In Chapter 4, Haman leverages his influence with the king to
attempt genocide of the Jews. Hearing of this, Mordecai encourages Esther to go before the King
on behalf of her people.
The request was a dangerous one and could have cost Esther her life. Approaching a king who
hasn’t called for you was an action punishable by death. Plus, from earlier in the story we see that
King Xerxes didn’t have qualms discarding an old queen for a new one.
Like Esther, most of us would initially resist Mordecai’s suggestion. We sometimes talk ourselves
out of obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit, or, the counsel of friends, because we fear the
risk involved. Stepping forward requires that we confront our perceived inadequacies, while
letting go of false idols and comforts. We’d rather play it safe, but risk is involved in the process.
As readers, we clearly see God’s hand orchestrating events. But for Esther and Mordecai, there is
still the question posed in verse 14—was she brought to the kingdom for this very purpose?
However, life demanded action, so they had to take the chance. In our lives, we must accept that
the process will test our faith—even down to the last moment.
Live It! The fear of failure holds most of us captive and stands as a gulf between our reality and
dreams. Considering where you presently are in your life, what is the next big step of faith? This
step must be in an area where, like Mordecai and Esther, you see the shadow of God’s hand at
work. If you were to take that step, how would your life change? If you were to take it and fail,
how would God change? Journal these answers and study what they reveal about your process.
His brother Jacob knew Esau’s weaknesses. He knew Esau would be convinced that his physical
desire to eat was a life and death need. The opportunist in Jacob knew when to strike. But we don’
t need to pity or judge Esau—we need to pay attention. All of us have our bowl of lentil soup!
“The bowl of soup” is a part of everyone’s process. Going back to the book of Esther, we will see
that our hearts, minds and souls must weather various temptations that come to make us relent.
Please carefully read Chapters 3 and 4 of Esther. Here are three challenges we all face in
our pursuit of purpose:
1. There will be peer pressure: In verses 1 to 4, the king honors Haman by commanding that
all royal officials bow down to him. However, one official—Mordecai—refuses to comply.
The reason for his refusal may be found in verse 2 as Scripture reveals that Haman was an
Agagite—a descendent of King Agag. Agag once reigned over the Amalekites (descendants of
Esau’s grandson), who were sworn enemies of the Israelites. Mordecai refused to honor Haman
knowing his cultural hatred of the Jews. Not sharing his convictions, the other royal officials
prodded him to bow down, but despite peer pressure he would not relent!
As you walk with the Lord to fulfill your purpose, your opinions and convictions will not always be
popular. In fact, in some social circles they will create friction. Sometimes your stand for
godliness will be confused as judgment and pride. But, you can’t commit or submit to who or what
opposes God—it will put your destiny at risk. The temptation to fit in could cut you off the path of
purpose.
desire to eat was a life and death need. The opportunist in Jacob knew when to strike. But we don’
t need to pity or judge Esau—we need to pay attention. All of us have our bowl of lentil soup!
“The bowl of soup” is a part of everyone’s process. Going back to the book of Esther, we will see
that our hearts, minds and souls must weather various temptations that come to make us relent.
Please carefully read Chapters 3 and 4 of Esther. Here are three challenges we all face in
our pursuit of purpose:
1. There will be peer pressure: In verses 1 to 4, the king honors Haman by commanding that
all royal officials bow down to him. However, one official—Mordecai—refuses to comply.
The reason for his refusal may be found in verse 2 as Scripture reveals that Haman was an
Agagite—a descendent of King Agag. Agag once reigned over the Amalekites (descendants of
Esau’s grandson), who were sworn enemies of the Israelites. Mordecai refused to honor Haman
knowing his cultural hatred of the Jews. Not sharing his convictions, the other royal officials
prodded him to bow down, but despite peer pressure he would not relent!
As you walk with the Lord to fulfill your purpose, your opinions and convictions will not always be
popular. In fact, in some social circles they will create friction. Sometimes your stand for
godliness will be confused as judgment and pride. But, you can’t commit or submit to who or what
opposes God—it will put your destiny at risk. The temptation to fit in could cut you off the path of
purpose.
May 9-May 23
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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
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There’s something about others’ weaknesses
that exposes the prideful arrogance that
lurks in our hearts. We either pity or despise
the weak, because it affirms something
within us that believes we are better.
For me, Esau used to inspire such a reaction.
In the past, I chuckled in disdain as
preachers mocked the foolish man who gave
away his inheritance for lentil soup (Genesis
25: 27-34). I completely missed the point
that the lust of the flesh that slew Esau has
the potential to do the same to me.
that exposes the prideful arrogance that
lurks in our hearts. We either pity or despise
the weak, because it affirms something
within us that believes we are better.
For me, Esau used to inspire such a reaction.
In the past, I chuckled in disdain as
preachers mocked the foolish man who gave
away his inheritance for lentil soup (Genesis
25: 27-34). I completely missed the point
that the lust of the flesh that slew Esau has
the potential to do the same to me.
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