God At Work
- David Fuquay
- Feb 21, 2010
- Series: Standalone
God at Work
God is at work in the CHAOS (Esther 1:19, 2:5-7)
God is working through COMFORT (Esther 2:8, 16-17)
God is working in all CIRCUMSTANCES (Esther 3:5-6, 4:1, 6-17)
God is always at work (Esther 7:1-6)
Sermon Questions for Esther chapters 1-7.
If you have feedback, please let
SPECIFIC PRAYER (suggestions)
Please pray for those in our midst who are hurting and suffering, specifically due to life changes, job loss, health issues, and the like. If you know them, pray for them by name.
SCRIPTURE AND SHARING
Crawl:
Who are you walking along side right now? Are they going through a time of comfort or a time of trial? Why do you think they are in this phase of life?
What is “compassion fatigue?” Why do we experience it? What is happening right now worldwide that could cause compassion fatigue, and what do you do with it?
Walk:
Have you ever read the book of Esther? What is the basic plot?
Read Esther 1:19, 2:5-7
Why does God not choose to reveal Himself in some grand way? Why are His working, purpose, and desires not always readily visible?
Why do we so desperately want to see God at work? Is this a lack of faith? How is belief in the invisible play into faith? (John 1:18)
What kind of man is King Xerxes?
What kind of woman is Queen Vashti?
What kind of friends has Xerxes surrounded himself with?
What chaotic situations have you seen God work through?
What kind of man is Mordecai? How do you know him from these short verses?
Read Esther 2:8, 16-17, 21-23
What life circumstances have you been through that took longer than you thought they should? What did God reveal at the other end? What did you learn in that long period of time that could not have been learned in a shorter period of time?
How have you learned patience? Is this an area you struggle with or excel in?
God is working on Esther’s character during this time, what has God used in your life to mold your character? What were the circumstances? Was it an easy or a difficult time?
What new normals have you experienced in your life?
Read Esther 3:5-6, 4:1, 6-17
What do you think Mordecai was more upset about, the killing of Jews or the fact that he caused their destruction? Try to get into Mordecai’s shoes and think about all the emotions and thoughts he had.
Mordecai offers several proofs or arguments showing Esther that what he is saying is true. Why? What was the evidence?
Mordecai also proves himself to be fully dependent upon the Lord. He knows deliverance will come from some place. If that is true, then why is Mordecai so active?
Has there ever been a time when not doing something seemed safe but doing the right thing seemed dangerous? Discuss. What did you do?
Esther seems to find a deeper faith in her fear. What in the past has caused your faith to go deeper?
Read Esther 6:1, 7:1-6
How does 6:1 show god at work? God is working in the heart of the king to prepare him for Esther’s message. Whose heart could God be working in right now for an important message you have?
The Jews were saved and the annual feast of Purim commemorates this time. It means the celebration of deliverance. Mordecai is rewarded, Esther is rewarded. Why is God never mentioned?
Run:
Compare and contrast all the main characters in this story.
Challenge: Go to David Fuquay’s blog at www.jacksonvillechapel.org and join the conversation.
SERVICE (fodder for ideas)
Did you know that
•prepare a meal
•donate your services (hair cutting, mechanics, dentist, tutoring)
•donate your old matching twin sheet sets.
For more information on how you can help, please contact Christie Vanaria at 973-248-9279 or . The ICHF also has a wish list of items they could use. You can see that wish list on their website at www.ichfmc.org
