Shadow Blessings: the Story of Esther

“Blessings in the Pressure”

Esther 3-4

  John 16:33, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.”

2 Timothy 3:1, “…in the last days there will be very difficult times.”

2 Corinthians 1:8, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired…” 

Job 5:7, “People are born for trouble…”

How to find the Blessing in Pressure?

1. Pressure cannot be avoided… Accept it

See chapter 3.

2 Corinthians 1:8-9, “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered ... We were under great pressure. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God.”

 2. Pressure isn’t to be faced alone… Share it

See chapter 4.

 1 Peter 5:6-7, “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

Galatians 6:2, “Share each other's troubles and problems.” 

3. Pressure isn’t to be rushed… Take your time

See chapter 4:10-11, 15-16.

Proverbs 25:15, “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”

Proverbs 16:32, “Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.”

4. Pressure isn’t an excuse… Do what is right

Esther 4:16b, “…I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.”

Isaiah 7:9, “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”  

FINAL THOUGHT:  Titus 2:12, “For the grace of God...teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness...and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”

You were made for this!