Expecting #21 - WE won't be attacked. 27 women!

27 women were embraced with Robes of royal purple.  I can see  them all --  it was a dream that came true -- 

    ---- beautiful woman,   walking in GRACE and slow -- very methodical -- towards.... heaven and their  destiny, but "her" head was held high and  she KNEW where she was going, and she knew that THIS is the time...and she was fully aware of WHAT she was getting into and she continued to go forward.  

I remember the Story of Ester.  Here is a recap of that Book in the Bible:  

Esther was a young, beautiful, Jewish woman living in Persia. She was unknowingly thrust into one of the greatest stories of all time, due to a very strange turn of events. Esther proved to be a woman of unusual wisdom and courage, facing adversity and wickedness with a quiet confidence and grace. While God is not directly mentioned in this book, His hand and perfect timing are seen in every turn of events. 

Then her story can teach us some lessons:  

Esther saved the Jews. Her life can teach us several vital lessons

1. There is a preparation time.
She allowed herself to be prepared for the task. God's preparation time can sometimes be long and uneventful. Moses spent 40 years in the desert looking after sheep before coming to deliver the Israelites. The refining of our characters is very essential to God's plan for our life. God cannot use a proud woman (or man).

I believe there was a season in my life where GOD prepared me.  HE changed the way I felt about Him and myself and then, when I was ready -- HE did allow some revelation and I know that I know that my 'time' was THEN to walk with HIM and walk in faith and learn to TRUST God.  

I believe these 27 women clearly gained their freedom because the leadership team DID bathe this in prayer ...we decided that   this had to be bathed in prayer, prayer over the ladies, their rooms, their group assignments and even throughout the entire weekend, prayer always went before the session or teaching. 

I remember another friend that was in a battle for her daughter's life.  Her daughter was gripped with an eating stronghold and even the pediatrician told her - that the daughter would probably not 'survive' the disorder.  But...that mom KNEW - SHE knew GOD WAS able and she continued in prayer and guess what -- God did -- that young woman is a warrior for HIM!   God heals.  

2. We need the favour of God.
Esther found favour with the King and so did Mordecai. Even Jesus grew in favour with God and man (Luke 2:52). When you live a life pleasing to God, by obeying His will you will find favour with Him. God will also give you favour with people.

I have had people come to me and say, "pray for me as YOUR prayers are heard".  God hears each and every prayer.  We do need God's favor and it comes with our obedience.   The key is living a life pleasing to God.  I believe many times we give up or give in ....right before the blessing comes.  And so often, we give up or give in cause God does N OT seem to be moving in our timeline - and we get impatient.  God's timing does seem slow, but trusting it -- brings favor.  

I believe these women have  God's favor...each one  is walking in it.  

3. God works in His own time and season.
Esther got her timing right. Maybe God has put it on your heart to do something for Him. Don't just jump into it but wait for his time. Joseph was in jail until it was God's time for him to be released. God will move in His time when we remain faithful and alert to His leading.

Another lesson from Ester on God's timing.....it does seem like God is really trying to TEACH us something.  I believe there is a woman reading this tonight -- and right now, she knows that God is telling her -- NOW is the time...

Maybe NOW is the time to fast and pray for a specific child that  is lost or mixed up in sin...

Maybe NOW is the time for you to sit next to a friend who is in a storm and just PRAY with her...

Maybe NOW is the time to get off your butt...and DO something....for HIM...instead of expecting God to lay it all before you...

Maybe NOW is the time to actually pray and seek counsel on something or a stronghold that has plagued you for FAR too long...

Maybe NOW is the time to go to church - find one...worship one...and maybe ask yourself, "does God know me?"...

Maybe NOW is the time to give and extend forgiveness...

Maybe NOW is the appointed time for restoration within a part of your family...

Maybe NOW is the appointed time...

But I know some 27 women that WOULD tell you --  GOD does heal a broken heart...GOD does show you HOW to walk in your freedom and GOD meets YOU right where you are and as each day passes...these women will probably tell you - THEY LOVE God more than they ever have......  

But you can ask one of them....

4. Your background does not hinder your future with God.
Esther was an orphan. God still exalted her and used her. Some of Jesus' disciples were fishermen, tax collectors and one was a doctor. Your background does not determine what God can do with you. Your faith does.

I did a bible study on Ester with Beth Moore.  A major part of the study is taking a look at 'our past' and that it has BROUGHT us to this point - here and now.  Our past was our destiny.  Our past did shape our future -- but it never has to dictate it.  

God has allowed experiences within out lives -- as we walk through it with HIM...we can then, do that for another and help another walk through the pain of..... a death....a betrayal....a rejection....

God gave each women the courage to share with some of us --their past...and yet.. now...IT NO longer is a stronghold for them...they are FREE!

God uses the ordinary to do the extraordinary -- our faith creates miracles!  
There were 27 ordinary women that were already EXTRAORDINARY last Friday at the beginning our Our God Encounter Weekend...but NOW they BELIEVE they are!!   amen.  

And I get to WATCH and see the EXTRAORDINARY take place....it already has in many lives!  

There is NOTHING God can't heal, restore, or redeem.

There is NOTHING that can separate the love HE has for us -- expect maybe us....

Are you in a season like Ester was?   Is now the time to step it up -- and help SAVE a child or friend around you?

Only You and God know the answer to that --

If Ester had NOT spoken up when she did  -- what would of happened?

She saved a people....

Who have you helped God to save today?

I bet if you know one of those 27 women....they will change your thoughts today....

- humbled, Michelle

Yesterday -- was DAy #20....  I was SO physically EXHAUSTED from our wonderful weekend that all I could do was pray a simple prayer and then hit my pillow -- but you know what -- GOD knew...and GOD honored  that prayer .....and today --  today is another day in HIS presence....and HE will guide and direct.

Today I am blessed with "Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings, My soul clings to you: your right hand upholds me."  - Psalm 63: 7-8

 Homework:   Thank God for ALL that transpired this past weekend or today - give thanks!