Christ Church Daily Devotion Feb 15 2024

The Daily Devotion for February 15, 2024 is based on the story of Esther from the Bible. Esther, who was in a position of power, had to decide whether to risk her life to save her people or save herself. Her cousin Mordecai believed that God had placed her in that position for a reason. The message encourages us to consider that God may have placed us in our current situations for a purpose as well, and to be open to being an instrument of His purpose. Welcome to Christ Church's Daily Devotion for February 15, 2024. Today, we will be reading from Esther, chapter 4, verses 12-16. When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer, Do not think that because you are in the king's house, you are alone, of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place. But you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this. Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai, Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish. Have you ever wondered why you are in a particular job or in a situation at a particular time? Sometimes, have you found yourself caught in the middle of a heated issue or conflict? Or have you been assigned to lead a highly dysfunctional group or committee? Sometimes God places us in a situation that seems beyond our capacity to handle and above our skill level. It's hard to imagine a more stressful position than Esther's. She arose from being a nobody into a position of power and prestige. Yet, whatever glamour she may have enjoyed turned to terror when she learned of a plot to kill her people. Esther faced a dilemma. Should she risk her life in order to save her people? Or should she save her life while her people perished? Her cousin Mordecai said that God may have placed her in a position of authority for such a time as this. Have you thought that God has placed you where you are for a purpose? It may not be as dramatic as Esther's place, but God's purpose for us are no less significant. You might be in a position to speak the very words someone needs to hear or make a difference in other people's lives. God has chosen us to do His work. Your personal worship option today is, God, thank you for placing us where we are today. Reveal to us how we might be an instrument of purpose for you. Amen.