March 1“ Yes” Required

Esther 4:13-14 “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 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 royal position for such a time as this?”
 
LET’S be clear about this biblical truth: When God says, “Go there for me.” you must say, “Here am I.” Then be prepared to go.
    Does that sound too harsh, too bottom-line and even too bossy? Perhaps it sounds that way, but what else is there to do? Who are we, the clay, to say, “No.” to our Potter? Yes, it certainly can be a fearful experience to tell God, “Yes, I’ll go.” when you have few details, no experience and little desire. But such “go” steps are the only steps that will truly reflect obeying the two great commands recorded in Matthew 22:37-39 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  
Yes, it’s true. Saying, “Here am I.” when God calls is always about moving out of your comfort zone. You know that, don’t you? That’s why it is difficult to be Jesus’ disciple.
    Surely, then, you can understand the clash occurring in Esther’s mind. She had a good reason, didn’t she, to stay away from the king and to say, “I’m NOT here, God!” But in truth, a real love for God does not even allow a death threat to turn us away from his call. Jesus showed us that. Ans so have many faithful maryrs thorugh the years. Without such men and women, we may not have a Bible to read!
    Act into God’s “Go.” call to you, even as you surely want to say, “No.” In your faithful obedience, you will see God enlarge your faith in him. You will experience God expand your love for him and for others.  
   
Prayer: Teach me to eagerly go into each place you point, Father. Joyfully, I will be your tool of salvation to your chosen people. In Jesus’ name I rejoice, amen.