Seize the Moment – Day 1022
Don’t Stop Short!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Tuesday, January 3.
Don’t stop short of what needs to be done! It is easy to settle for less than the best of what God has for you, which often comes with disappointing, if not, disastrous results. That is certainly true in the story of Queen Esther. She could not give up her pursuit for justice upon Haman’s execution for his treachery. She had won a personal victory and gained Haman’s estate, but she could not stop short at personal wealth and political prosperity because the nation of Israel was still in grave danger. Esther had to act once again, for the good of her people, so she risked everything and pressed upon King Ahasuerus’ good graces a second time (Esther 8:1-6).
Esther’s bravery led to Mordecai being given the signet ring so that he had the authority to write a royal decree that would give the Jews the right to defend themselves. The Jewish people were saved from certain genocide, and Esther 8:16-17 testifies to their victory:
For the Jews there was light and gladness and joy and honor. In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree arrived, there was gladness and joy for the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the dread of the Jews had fallen on them.
Esther didn’t stop with personal success! We must not stop short in fulfilling God’s will in our world. Because it’s about more than you and your happiness; God has called you to be a part of His plan to bless all the nations – “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10; Matthew 29:18-20; Acts 1:8)!
God bless you!
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YOUTUBE:
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