Favor in Obedience
Esther 2:20 – “…Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him.”
Esther 2:7 – “And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.”
Often when we hear about the story of Esther from the bible, the words “For such a time as this” are mentioned. This is true and Esther was placed in the king’s court to save the people of her lineage at the time. Her bravery and wisdom in dealing with the king and the enemy of her people are well established and shared. We should all strive to be prepared for “such a time as this.”
I want us to focus just for a moment, not on the bravery of her actions but rather on the basics of her beginning. Esther 2:20 has the key, “…Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him.” Even through tragedy and orphan status, Esther knew how to be obedient, and this brought great favor. Before favor in the king’s court that saved a nation, she had obedience and favor in the house of women and before obedience and favor there she had it in the care of the custodian, Hegai. She learned all this first though in Mordecai’s house. She was obedient to her cousin as he raised her in his house. This brought about a pattern of obedience and favor that led to a Nation being spared.
Esther did not simply decide one day to walk into the King’s court and seek favor when she had not been summoned – an action that could cause her death. Rather she lived a life of obedience and submission. If you read through chapter 2 it will point out all the places she had to surrender and be obedient. Always doing as she was told, only taking what she was told and only speaking what she was told. Today we have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit leading us to go where we are told, to take what we are told and to speak what we are told. Obedience and submission are two words that we, as strong women, often do not want to hear. We want to claim blessings and abundant favor. However, when obedience and submission come up, we tune our ears elsewhere and allow our hearts to become cold.
I want to encourage you today to search your heart. Ask the Father to reveal any place that you have been disobedient to Him and His will and to forgive you. Choose surrender. God has amazing things in store for each one of you! Do not allow disobedience to block the favor in your life and in the lives of those around you.
Guidance
1. Seeking Guidance: Obedience starts with an earnest desire to understand God's will. This often involves prayer, reading scripture, and being open to the Holy Spirit's leading. It's about asking, "What does God want me to do in this situation?"
2.Trust and Faith: Trusting God means believing that His plans are for our good, even when we don’t fully understand them. This faith can lead us to take steps that may seem difficult or unreasonable.
3. Inner Conviction: Often, obedience is felt on a spiritual level. When you feel a prompting or tug at your heart, that might indicate that God is guiding you toward a certain choice or behavior.
4. Actions Reflecting Beliefs: True obedience is demonstrated through our actions. This means living out our faith by making choices that reflect God's teachings and values.
5. Transformative Process: Obedience to God can transform us over time. As we practice it, we may find ourselves growing in character, becoming more compassionate, and developing a clearer understanding of right from wrong.
Prayer: Father, today I ask that you would help your daughters surrender their own will and be completely obedient to Yours.Thank you for the favor and blessings you have in store. We bless you in Jesus’ name. Amen
Love, Pastor Brenda Ortiz & Rev. Liz Jones
Then He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in Peace.” Luke 8:48 (NIV)
