July 14

Esther 2

Esther wins the king´s favor and is chosen to become queen.

INSIGHT

Abraham, Moses, David, and Esther are all living lives of obscurity when God chooses them. He uses them for great things because they are faithful to Him in the little things. While not all of us are destined to do incredible things in the eyes of man, greatness in the eyes of God is simply being faithful to Him the best way we know how. God has not forgotten about us; His eye is on us. And He will use us—even if only in seemingly “small” ways.

PRAYER

Thank God that we do not need to be born into a wealthy family or attain a place of prestige to be used by Him. Praise God that He uses ordinary people to do His extraordinary work:
As for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy;
In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple.
Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies;
Make Your way straight before my face (Psalm 5:7-8).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Give ear to my words, O Lord,
Consider my meditation.
Give heed to the voice of my cry,
My King and my God,
For to You I will pray.
My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;
In the morning I will direct it to You,
And I will look up (Psalm 5:1-3).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to mind.

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness,
Nor shall evil dwell with You.
The boastful shall not stand in Your sight;
You hate all workers of iniquity (Psalm 5:4-5).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Contentment in the place God has led you to
• Patience in serving others

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You.
For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favor You will surround him as with a shield (Psalm 5:11-12).