Advent: Join the TriumphSample

The Scripture:

"What if you don’t say anything at this time? Then help for the Jews will come from another place. But you and your family will die. Who knows? It’s possible that you became queen for a time just like this" (Esther 4:14, NIRV).

The Story:

Christmas is the greatest day of the year, but I want to talk to you about one of the most dreaded days of the year. This day could make or break your entire year and lead to celebration or crying so hard you throw up your Fruit Loops you ate that morning. I’m talking about the day you find out what class you are in for school. We both know that day is important. What class you’ll be in for the next 10 months is a huge deal! Will you get the right teacher? Will your friends be in your class? Will the classroom be close to the bathroom in case you throw up your Fruit Loops again? It’s a big deal.

Esther is the story of a woman who becomes queen during a very difficult time. God’s people in the Old Testament, the Israelites, also known as Jews, were living under a new king. This king was the king of Persia, and Esther became his wife. It was a big deal that the king married an Israelite and not a Persian. There were some people in Persia who hated Israelites and, because of that, people started plotting to kill all the Jews in Persia. This is where we find our Scripture today when Esther’s adopted dad is telling her an important truth: Esther was placed as queen at the perfect time to save all of God’s people from death.

Esther learns that God has Perfect Plans and Perfect Timing, and that should bring peace, peace that God has Esther exactly where she needs to be. If Esther would speak up she can save God’s people. And that’s exactly what happens! The story of Esther is a reminder that God is in charge of everything. Even what class you get into! God has us where we are for a specific reason. No matter where He places us, we are where we are to love God and love people. God will do the rest!

The Triumph:

Jesus was born at just the right time. All of the details surrounding the Birth of Jesus were according to His Plan. Christmas is the celebration that at just the right time and at the right place Jesus was born. Years later at just the right time and just the right place Jesus died for us. We can have peace in God’s Plan because we know that every victory, every defeat, and every moment is part of a story that God is writing that has Perfect Timing.