‘MY CHANCES ARE TOO SLIM’
EVEN WHEN it looks like our chances are too slim, we serve a God who can make a way for us.
In the Book of Esther, King Xerxes sought a replacement for his queen. Among the group of beautiful candidates was Esther, but she was a Jew, at a time when the Jewish nation was in captivity. So, if anyone had a a slim chance of becoming queen, it was Esther. She had no family except her cousin, Mordecai, who encouraged Esther to enter the competition and instructed that she told no one she was a Jew. Esther’s chances were slim to become queen.
Perhaps you’ve dreamed of becoming something great, but thought your chances were too slim to even try – maybe because of your past or your heritage. Don’t count yourself out too quickly.
God’s purpose for Esther’s life would be fulfilled for four reasons:
1. ESTHER HAD INTANGIBLES
“Esther won the favour of everyone who saw her.” Esther 2:15 (NIV)
The Bible states that something about Esther made her special. Her Godgiven uniqueness gave her favour. Just like Esther, you don’t have to fit the mould of everyone else. You possess a uniqueness given by God that makes you stand out from everyone else.
2. ESTHER’S FAVOUR GAVE HER CONFIDENCE
“... the King was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women ... So he ... made her queen.” Esther 2:17 (NIV)
Though you may feel like nothing special on the outside, you are chosen on the inside. Esther, as queen, was poised for God to use her for His purpose, to save his people. He needed someone in the right place at the right time.
God puts you right where you need to be – it’s up to you to follow Him.
3. GOD WAS WORKING BEHIND THE SCENES FOR ESTHER
Later in the scripture, one of the king’s officials, Haman, became upset because Mordecai would not bow to him. Haman plotted to kill Mordecai and all the Jews, and conspired to receive authority from the King to do so.
Mordecai begged Esther to stop this, an action that could cost her life. Esther was torn, but Mordecai reminded her why God made her queen. “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape ... . And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:13 - 14 (NIV).
You see, God has a way of putting things in place even when we cannot understand what He is doing. Even in the disappointments – sometimes delay – God is working.
4. ESTHER COURAGEOUSLY STEPS UP
Mordecai could not say how the situation would end, but his faith was high, “Who knows but ...?”
Esther found herself at a point of decision. She had a comfortable life. All she had to do was not to make waves for herself.
But Esther said yes, “... I will go to the king ... . And if I perish, I perish” Esther 4:16b (NIV).
The king, however, was happy to see Esther and promised her anything. Esther asked that a banquet be held the next day. Simultaneously, Haman had devised a plan to build a 75foot gallows to hang Mordecai the next morning. During the banquet, the king asked Esther what she wanted. Esther answered, “If I have found favour with you ... grant me my life. This is my petition. And spare my people... For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed...” Esther 7:3-4 (NIV)
Shocked, the king asked who was behind this plot? Pointing to Haman, “Esther said, ‘An adversary and enemy!’” Esther 7:6 (NIV). Haman was put to death on the very gallows he had made for Mordecai. Because of Esther’s courage in the face of slim odds, the Bible says many people in the land put their faith in God.
God has placed many of us in places of influence for such a time as this and He is the same God yesterday, today and forever. He has given us all that we need to be that catalyst of change right now.