Dark Horses: Overlooked Heroes - Day 03
Day 03 - Wednesday, June 26
Read Esther 5 & 6
Highlight
And so it begins. The tides are starting to turn in a dramatic way. Who could have seen this coming, certainly not Haman! God is on the move on Esther and Mordecai’s behalf. He responds to the prayers and fasting and saves both their lives in seemingly miraculous ways by working in the heart of King Xerxes. It may seem easy for us to see how God has interjected himself into this story, but we don’t know what Esther and Mordecai must have felt. Certainly some relief, maybe even bewilderment. Can you imagine what Mordecai must have been thinking atop that horse with Haman leading him throughout the city? It’s possible he was delighted and reveling in Haman’s humiliation, but it’s also possible Mordecai was wondering what vengeance from Haman would befall him as a result. Even at the King’s urging Esther hesitates to make her request. We don’t know if God gave Esther some insight into how to go about her mission, but it’s also possible that in her fear she delays following through on an assignment she knows may cost her life.
When you receive answers to your prayers, do you sometimes wonder whether God was really at work or whether it was a coincidence that your circumstances changed? Are you ever tempted to think that you somehow influenced the outcome through your own effort? Consider recording your prayers and the outcomes in some way. Perhaps when you look back on them you’ll see the evidence of God’s work in your life with the benefit of greater perspective and more of the story the way we can now see His faithfulness to Esther and Mordecai unfolding.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Read Esther 5 & 6
Highlight
And so it begins. The tides are starting to turn in a dramatic way. Who could have seen this coming, certainly not Haman! God is on the move on Esther and Mordecai’s behalf. He responds to the prayers and fasting and saves both their lives in seemingly miraculous ways by working in the heart of King Xerxes. It may seem easy for us to see how God has interjected himself into this story, but we don’t know what Esther and Mordecai must have felt. Certainly some relief, maybe even bewilderment. Can you imagine what Mordecai must have been thinking atop that horse with Haman leading him throughout the city? It’s possible he was delighted and reveling in Haman’s humiliation, but it’s also possible Mordecai was wondering what vengeance from Haman would befall him as a result. Even at the King’s urging Esther hesitates to make her request. We don’t know if God gave Esther some insight into how to go about her mission, but it’s also possible that in her fear she delays following through on an assignment she knows may cost her life.
When you receive answers to your prayers, do you sometimes wonder whether God was really at work or whether it was a coincidence that your circumstances changed? Are you ever tempted to think that you somehow influenced the outcome through your own effort? Consider recording your prayers and the outcomes in some way. Perhaps when you look back on them you’ll see the evidence of God’s work in your life with the benefit of greater perspective and more of the story the way we can now see His faithfulness to Esther and Mordecai unfolding.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
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