Episode 63: Hearing God when your faith is tested.

Episode 63: Hearing God when your faith is tested.

Oct 27, 2024 | 0 comments

 

Episode Description:

How do you respond when you’re required to do something contrary to your beliefs and principles? Join us as we unpack how Jochebed in the Bible (Moses’ mother) handled an order as a midwife to not only kill male babies but also the actions she took to save her baby boy. It may be a bit of a stretch to say Jochebed ‘heard’ God. It’s probably more how she responded to God throughout this time. Jochebed was willing to make difficult decisions and great sacrifices, putting her whole family at risk. But God. Just as God quietly orchestrated events in the life of Jochebed, be assured that He is also working behind the scenes in your life.

 

Episode Notes:

Background to Jochebed:

  • Married to Amran, her nephew (Numbers 26:59 and Exodus 6:20).
  • Mother of Aaron, Miriam and Moses. Moses was the youngest sibling.
  • Jochebed must have been a woman of character – when you look at her three children: Aaron – High Priest, Miriam, prophetic worshipper and intercessor, and Moses delivered the Hebrews from the Egyptians and led them for 40 years.
  • Read about her and her baby Moses in Exodus 1:8-22, and 2:1-10 and then again in Acts 7:18-22. Plus, Hebrews 11:23.
  • A new king came to power in Egypt, complaining that the Israelites living among them were too numerous. Says, “Come, we must deal shrewdly with them, or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.”
  • So, they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labour, and they made their lives bitter. But the more they abused and oppressed them, the more they multiplied.
  • The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah (Jochebed) and Puah, “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. Then, the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?”
  • The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.”
  • So, God was kind to the midwives, and the number of people increased and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them their own families.
  • Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.”
  • Jochebed became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She hid him for three months. When she could no longer hide him, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch to make it waterproof. Moses was put in the basket and set among the reeds. Miriam stood watch every day.
  • Interestingly, papyrus/bullrushes are soft, flexible, and capable of withstanding pressure and contact with hard and soft objects.
  • Both the Amplified and The Message versions in Hebrews 11:23 say it was an act of faith that Jochebed hid Moses.
  • Verse 5 – Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe and saw the basket among the reeds. She opened it and saw the baby, recognising it as one of the Hebrew babies.
  • Verse 7 – Miriam, an 8-10-year-old, boldly approaches Pharaoh’s daughter and asks, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?”
  • Pharoah’s daughter replied yes. Jochebed came, and Pharoah’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So Jochebed took Moses and was paid to nurse him.
  • When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.”
  • God was at work behind the scenes. Co-incidences/God-incidences:
    • Jochebed just happened to put Moses in the right spot on the Nile.
    • Pharaoh’s daughter just happened to see the basket.
    • Moses just happened to cry at the right time.
    • Miriam just happened to be nearby.
    • Jochebed just happened to be available and able to nurse.
    • Pharaoh’s daughter just happened to have enough influence to save baby Moses.
  • I gather Pharoah’s daughter didn’t tell her father that she had saved a Hebrew baby until he was returned to her some 8-10 years later.
  • What are some areas of your life you need to stop holding on to and start trusting God?

First Principle: Preparation is key.

  • How we react in situations begins long before the crisis occurs.
  • With our kids, we discussed certain situations with them when things could go wrong and talked through with them some actions, e.g. at a party and don’t feel safe, code words etc
  • Intimacy with God and reading the Bible are important and they build our faith muscle.
  • Practising hearing the voice of God.
  • Hebrews 11:23 “By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.”
  • Moses’ sister acted quickly. She approached Pharoah’s daughter and asked if she wanted someone to nurse the baby for her.

Second Principle: Discernment is necessary.

  • Hiding the baby would have put her whole family at risk. Do you think Jochebed clearly thought through her plan from beginning to end and considered the consequences, even if it was a great sacrifice for her and Amram?
  • Jochebed had to let go and trust God.
  • Go to God yourself, not through others. Yes, seek wise counsel, but don’t rely on others hearing God for you. Prophetic words should affirm that which you are already sensing from God.
  • The whole Covid experience worldwide – I wonder if we as a society ‘failed’ that test. Not that it was a test, but fear undoubtedly reigned prominent, even amongst Christians.
  • James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.“
  • Colossians 3:15 “Let peace be your umpire.”

Third Principle: Be courageous.

  • Hebrews 11:23 – an act of faith that Jochebed hid Moses.
  • Courage to fear God, not man. Sometimes, we can let our fear override our faith or misplace fear. Jochebed was courageous and showed steadfast faith in God’s promises and provision.
  • Jochebed’s name means ‘Jehovah glorified’. She certainly brought glory to God in her actions.
  • Courage to trust God and place the situation in His hands. Not only with her baby but all the Hebrew babies. She was wise, righteous, and God-fearing. God is not into child sacrifice.
  • Trusting God often requires both decision and action.
  • Deuteronomy 31 has the command to “Be strong and courageous” three times, and Joshua 1 has it four times. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lordyour God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
  • One thing we can be certain of is that we will experience trials of our faith. We don’t want those trials to rock the foundations of our faith.
  • Courage may look like creativity, sacrifice, and trust.
  • The reward for fearing God is the Torah – Jochebed feared God and didn’t kill the Hebrew baby boys. She gave birth to Moses, through whom the Torah was given.
  • Trust that God is working behind the scenes.
  • As God quietly orchestrates events in the life of Jochebed, be assured that He is also working behind the scenes in your life.

Summary:

  1. Preparation is key.
  2. Discernment is necessary.
  3. Be courageous.

 

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him –

  • “Father God, what would You like me to pray for myself at the moment?” (You might like to include ‘and my kids’ if you have kids.)

 

Time Stamps:

[0:57] – Gary & Jane share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[5:39] – Background to the story of Jochebed.

[12:02] – First Principle: Preparation is key.

[14:43] – Second Principle: Discernment is necessary.

[20:03] – Third Principle: Be courageous.

[23:44] – Recap the principles.

[24:06] – Prophetic activation.

[25:03] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[27:12] – Gary prays for you.

 

Resources / Links Mentioned:

 

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Numbers 26:59
  • Exodus 6:20
  • Exodus 1:8-22; 2:1-10
  • Acts 7:18-22
  • Hebrews 11:23
  • James 1:5
  • Colossians 3:15
  • Deuteronomy 31
  • Joshua 1

 

Connect with Gary & Jane:

 

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.

 

 

 

 

Episode 47: Hearing God when we don’t see evidence of God at work in our life.

Episode 47: Hearing God when we don’t see evidence of God at work in our life.

Jul 7, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

I don’t want to be known as someone who couldn’t see God’s goodness. Do you? The story of Ruth in the Bible and how she encountered God is a reminder to focus on God’s goodness. The story of Ruth is also full of ‘coincidences’ – times when God chooses to remain anonymous. Join us in this latest episode of ‘Hearing God’ as we unpack all these truths and how Ruth heard and experienced God.

Episode Notes:

Background to Ruth.

  • Chapter 1: Famine in Judah. Elimelek, Naomi & two sons left Bethlehem and went to live in Moab. Elimelek died. The sons married Moabites – Orpah & Ruth. Deuteronomy 7:3 – don’t marry a Moabite. In Deuteronomy 23:3, “No Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, not even in the tenth generation.” It’s weird that the family would choose to go to Moab – it tells something of their attitude and relationship with God. Judges 21:25 (the last verse before Ruth) – Israelites didn’t ask God; they just did what they each thought was right.
  • Both sons then died.
  • Naomi heard that God had come to the aid of His people in Bethlehem by providing food for them.
  • Naomi sets out to return to Bethlehem. Both daughters-in-law go with her. Naomi is extremely bitter about her circumstances and strongly encourages them to return to their mothers. Naomi may also have been a tad embarrassed about having a Moabite Daughter-in-law.
  • Orpah returned home.
  • Ruth has a strong conviction to go with Naomi.
  • Famous verse 1:16 “Where you go, I will go. Your people will be my people. Your God, my God”
  • Verse 20 Naomi says, don’t call me Naomi but Mara because the Almighty has made my life bitter.” She blamed God and accused Him of bringing misfortune upon her. You can’t play with fire, do the wrong thing, and then blame God for the consequences!!
  • A perilous journey fraught with danger.
  • Chapter 2 – barley harvest beginning in the town of bread. Ruth took the initiative and went to glean the leftover grain after the workers had harvested the grain and around the outside of fields for widows/orphans. Leviticus 19:9-10 and Deuteronomy 24:19.
  • “Coincidence’ was Boaz’s field – guardian redeemer, Deuteronomy 25:5-10 widow must marry the nearest relative unless they take off their sandal and say no.
  • 2:8 – Boaz turns up at the exact time she is there and tells her to stay in his fields where she will be safe, otherwise may be violated. Boaz tells his workers to give her food and water and leave more barley for her to pick up.
  • Ruth has an extremely successful day 13 kgs/30 pounds – enough for 7 days for 2 people.
  • Chapter 3, Naomi decides Ruth needs to make a move to let Boaz know she is ready to marry again. Boaz was winnowing barley on the threshing floor, sleeping the night there for an early start. Ruth washed, put on perfume and her best clothes, and lay at his feet and uncovered them. Boaz woke up – spread the corner of your garment over me – ie marry me. Very symbolic.
  • Chapter 4 – Boaz says there’s another man closer in relation than me – 1st dibs at redeeming her. Guardian redeemer. Went to city gate. That man just happened to be there at that particular time (another ‘coincidence’). The man said, I would buy Elimelek’s field, but I don’t want to marry Ruth or Naomi. Took off his sandal and gave it to Boaz, so Boaz could marry Ruth.
  • Boaz and Ruth marry – the Lord opens her womb, and she conceives and has a son. Obed. Family line down to Jesus.

First Principle: Just because we can’t see God doesn’t mean He’s not working / present.

  • Even though there’s no mention of God in the book of Ruth, Ruth acknowledges the presence of God in 1:16-17 “But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”
  • Tragedies don’t mean that God’s given up on you.
  • Ruth kept believing in God despite her circumstances. An encouragement to look to God not at our circumstances.
  • 2 Bible verses: Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
  • Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
  • God opens Ruth’s womb – Matthew 1 – genealogy of Jesus. Ruth had been married to Naomi’s son for 10 years but no children. Married Boaz and had a son Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of King David, the line of Jesus. I love how the Bible puts it in Ruth 4:13 “So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.” Only mention of God in Ruth.
  • Story of redemption and God’s provision in so many ways. Ruth was empty, now full. Widow now married. Broken and no future to being in the genealogy of Jesus.
  • Naomi was bitter that God hadn’t helped her, but her family deliberately disobeyed God. Naomi couldn’t see God’s goodness. She was basically self-absorbed due to her painful circumstances, and that meant she was blind to how God was working. I don’t want to be known as someone who couldn’t see God’s goodness.
  • Our lens filter is often that which captivates our heart.
  • God chooses you in His story. You may feel that you don’t fit in, but God specialises in the broken, the hurting, the displaced, those who don’t fit in. God is always working behind the scenes.

Second Principle: God shows up in the everyday, often insignificant things, not just the miraculous.

  • We can have an active relationship with God regardless of whether we see Him.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
  • Hope is the practice of believing God’s loyal love is true for my situation. “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
  • In Ruth 3:18, Naomi encourages Ruth to sit still and wait. In a season of waiting, it is tempting to try and move things along.
  • Psalm 27:13-14 “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”

Third Principle: Ruth hears from God through coincidences.

  • Chapter 2:3 “As it happened…” she ended up in Boaz’s field, that field, that day, that particular time. God-incident. Another coincidence at the city gate with the guardian redeemer just happening to come along.
  • Love this statement: A coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
  • In the story of Ruth, we see God bringing people in and out of her life, directing her life, shaping the course of her life. The same with our lives. Perhaps you’ve never stopped to consider the major role God has had in your life through certain events.
  • Four women are named in Jesus’ genealogy – Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba. Foreigners, tainted pasts, broken women. Testimony of God’s grace, love and acceptance for everyone.

Summary:

  1. Just because we can’t see God doesn’t mean He’s not working / present.
  2. God shows up in the everyday, often insignificant things, not just the miraculous.
  3. Ruth hears from God through coincidences.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him –

  • “God, is there an area in my life I feel a victim in or I’m bitter or I’m looking at it through the lens of disappointment?”
  • “What are Your thoughts on that God?”
  • “God, what response would You love me to take in relation to this?”

Time Stamps:

[1:07] – Gary & Jane share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[6:28] – Background to the story of Adam and Eve.

[13:30] – First Principle: Just because we can’t see God doesn’t mean He’s not working / present.

[20:06] – Second Principle: God shows up in the everyday, often insignificant things, not just the miraculous.

[22:08] – Third Principle: Ruth hears from God through coincidences.

[24:09] – Recap the principles.

[24:42] – Prophetic activation.

[25:47] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[28:07] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Ruth Chapters 1-4
  • Deuteronomy 7:3
  • Deuteronomy 23:3
  • Judges 21:25
  • Leviticus 19:9-10
  • Deuteronomy 24:19
  • Deuteronomy 25:5-10
  • Isaiah 55:8-9
  • Jeremiah 29:11
  • Matthew 1
  • 2 Corinthians 5:7
  • Hebrews 11:1
  • Psalm 27:13-14

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 40: Hearing God When It Goes Against Current Culture

Episode 40: Hearing God When It Goes Against Current Culture

May 19, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Am I prepared to be obedient to God, even when it is not aligned with current culture? Am I willing, faith-filled, courageous, future-sighted, totally trusting God even when there is no reference point of rain, willing to look ridiculous in the world’s eyes, swim against the stream, being a misfit, having tenacious faith? Join us in this latest episode of ‘Hearing God’ as we unpack the story of Noah from the Bible. Noah is an excellent reminder that God desires our obedience and is interested in our character and relationship with Him.

Episode Notes:

Background of Noah: Genesis 6-9

  • Noah first introduced in Genesis 5:32 how, after he had lived 500 years, he became the father of Shem, Japheth, and Ham.
  • Genesis 6:6 – The Lord regretted making humans as they had become evil.
  • Verse 8 & 9 – Noah found favour in the eyes of God because he was blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. Noah was not perfect but blameless compared to everyone else alive at the time.
  • Verse 13 – God said to Noah, I’m going to destroy all people but make an ark and gave him specific instructions: 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, 30 cubits high, rooms, roof, openings, etc. God was going to fill the earth with floodwaters, but Noah was to take himself, his wife and sons and son’s wives into the ark with 2 of all living creatures to keep them alive. In chapter 7. He mentions 7 pairs of clean animals and one pair of unclean animals and how he would send rain for 40 days and 40 nights.
  • They were tent dwellers – no grid for rain, floods, etc.
  • Symbolism: The ark was 3 stories – compared to the Tabernacle – 3-fold structure, like the 3 parts of the Gospel – judgement, forgiveness, and salvation. The word for ark in Hebrew is tebah – mentioned as the pitch coating of the basket that the baby Moses was placed in – symbolising God’s protection.
  • Waters flooded the earth for 150 days.
  • Process for coming out of the ark – sent out a raven, then a dove, then a dove again, and it came back with a fresh olive leaf, then next time it didn’t come back.
  • Chapter 8:21 – never again will I destroy all living creatures, and never again will a flood destroy the whole earth – this will be my sign – a rainbow.
  • Ch 9:20 – Noah planted a vineyard, drank some wine, and became drunk. Ham saw his father drunk and naked in the tent and told his brothers. Shem and Japheth took a garment as a sign of respect and covered their father and didn’t look at his nakedness.

First Principle: Our character is important to God.

  • Noah was blameless compared to his fellow man.
  • He walked with God. He found favour in God’s eyes.
  • If we are struggling to hear God – it is worth examining our behaviour and character. (God can still talk to us, but it is easier to hear God clearly when our character is pure/clean.)

Second Principle: Details are important to God.

  • God gave Noah specific instructions – how to build the ark, fill it, shut it, what to do and how to exit. God is in the details.
  • Ask God for prophetic blueprints.

Third Principle: Noah did all that God commanded.

  • Genesis 6-9 keeps saying that Noah did all that God commanded.
  • God desires our obedience. It is important to God, even when it doesn’t make sense.
  • Imagine building this colossal ark. There had never been any floods or water over the earth. People would think he was crazy. Who was he to believe – God or man? Imagine the reaction of people.
  • Noah was an entrepreneur and took a considerable risk. Faith is spelt RISK. He was confronted with discouragement and opposition.
  • If you are struggling to hear God – go back to the last time you heard God clearly and see if God has asked you to do something you haven’t obeyed.

Summary:

  • First Principle: Our character is important to God.
  • Second Principle: Details are important to God.
  • Third Principle: Noah did all that God commanded.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him –

  • “God, is there something in my character You would love me to work on/improve?”
  • “Father God, is there an area I haven’t obeyed You in yet? What else do I need to know about it?”

Time Stamps:

[0:37] – Gary & Jane share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[2:49] – Background to Noah and outline of his story.

[6:49] – First Principle: Our character is important to God.

[8:41] – Second Principle: Details are important to God.

[13:40] – Third Principle: Noah did all that God commanded.

[17:33] – Am I prepared to be obedient, even when it is not aligned with current culture?

[18:05] – Recap the principles.

[18:30] – Prophetic activation.

[19:50] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[20:59] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Genesis 5:32
  • Genesis 6-9
  • Acts 9:11

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 39: Hearing God in Times Requiring Courage

Episode 39: Hearing God in Times Requiring Courage

May 12, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Have you ever desperately needed God to speak, but He was silent? Join us in this latest episode of ‘Hearing God’ as we unpack the story of Esther from the Bible. This book does not mention God, but His fingerprints are all over it. Esther was kidnapped and forcibly placed in the King’s harem, repeatedly raped, not allowed to have a voice, and threatened with death if she spoke out of turn, yet she courageously fulfilled what was required of her. We encourage you, like Esther, to be courageous enough to do what God’s asking you to do. Don’t shortchange a miracle in your life by giving up too early. The book of Esther is a powerful reminder to be careful who you pay attention to and ask for advice from.

Episode Notes:

Background to Esther:

  • The Book of Esther (10 chapters) is full of conspiracy, racial hatred, betrayal, jealousy, pride, lust for power, drunkenness and orgies, murder, anger, fear, greed, persecution, and mourning.
  • Esther was a Jew living in Susa, the capital of Persia when King Xerxes was in power from 485-465BC.
  • Persia is now called Iran, but back then, it also covered Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Pakistan, and parts of Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Egypt, etc.
  • The Jews had been captured and taken from Israel and were slaves in Persia. At the time of Esther, the Jews had been freed, and only a few had returned to Israel. The rest were entrenched in Persia. Sometimes, it’s easier to stay where you are and settle for less than move.
  • King Xerxes ruled over 127 provinces and, over 180 days, displayed his vast wealth, culminating in a 7-day banquet in which he invited everyone. During the banquet, his wife, Queen Vashti, invited the women separately to her dinner. The King became drunk and wanted Vashti to come and display ‘her beauty’ and dance virtually naked before everyone. Vashti refused. King was embarrassed and angry and asked his advisors what he should do. They said to depose or forcibly remove her from being his wife as an example to all women that they were to respect and obey their husbands. She was never again to enter the King’s presence.
  • They then ‘kidnapped’ all the young virgins (including Esther) and brought them into the Palace, giving them 12 months of beauty treatments. Then, they would each have a night to sleep with the King, and he would choose whoever he was most pleased with as the Queen.
  • How would you feel if the King forcibly took you into his harem, repeatedly raped you, did not allow you to have a voice, and threatened you with death if you spoke out of turn?
  • Esther was a Jewish orphan. She was adopted by her cousin Mordecai, a government official. He was distraught. Esther didn’t reveal her nationality or family background. Mordecai went and sat at the King’s gate every day to try and hear news of Esther. While there, he heard that there was to be an assassination attempt on the King. He told Esther, who told the King, who killed the guards.
  • Haman was appointed to take charge and was full of pride and lust for power. He had the King issue a command to have all the Jews bow down to him. Mordecai refused to bow down. Haman made the King put his royal seal (something that couldn’t be broken) on a decree that all the Jews would be killed.
  • Famous verses in Esther 4:13-14: “Then Mordecai toldthem to reply to Esther, “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 your royal position for such a time as this?”
  • Esther says, “If I approach the King and he hasn’t asked for me and doesn’t extend his gold sceptre to me, I will be killed.”
  • Esther says to Mordecai, get all the Jews to fast and pray for 3 days and nights.
  • In Esther 5 she approaches the King and invites him and Haman to a banquet. She sees that they are chummy at the banquet, so she invites them to another banquet the next day. Haman goes home and is full of pride and tells everyone.
  • That night, the King couldn’t sleep, so he asked his servants to bring the records of his reign to him. He discovers that Mordecai was never rewarded and honoured for his part in uncovering the assassination attempt and saving his life.
  • When Haman turns up, he asks Haman what he should do to honour someone. Thinking the King wants to honour him, Haman says to place the royal robe on him, put him on the King’s horse, and parade him through town. The King tells Haman to do that for Mordecai. Haman was angry and ashamed.
  • Haman returns for the dinner. The King asks Esther what her request is, and she asks the King to spare her people. The King asks who ordered this. Haman did. The King walks out into his garden for a breather, returns inside, and sees Haman trying to hurt Esther. The King orders Haman to be killed and Mordecai to be promoted. Esther asks for another decree to be given to save the Jews. The King can’t revoke the original one, so he orders all the Jews to fight back.
  • The Jews got the upper hand. The book of Esther finishes with them celebrating and establishing a time each year to remember and celebrate.
  • Be careful who you listen to – ask advice from the right people.

First Principle: God is always working and is never absent.

When it appears God is silent or has abandoned you:

  • Ask wise, trusted people for advice.
  • Seek God with fasting and prayer.
  • Be measured/self-controlled, not impulsive.
  • Do what is right, no matter if it is hard. Go back to the last time you heard God – have you done what He has asked you to do?
  • Hang in there. Don’t give up. Don’t shortchange a miracle in your life by giving up.
  • Esther doesn’t doubt God, even when her life depends on it.

Second Principle: There is no such thing as a co-incidence.

  • God is always working behind the scenes.
  • Esther was chosen to be Queen and be in a position where she could influence the outcome.
  • Mordecai was in the exact right place at the exact right time to hear the conspiracy.
  • The King couldn’t sleep, asked to look through the records, and found out Mordecai hadn’t been rewarded for exposing the assassination plot. This was thought to be about five years after the actual event of Mordecai uncovering the plot.
  • Even when you can’t see Him, God is still at work. Divine timing. We may just see chaos, but God is still working, weaving everything together for the beautiful picture He is creating behind the scenes. God is always at work, creating beauty from ashes bringing redemption.

Third Principle: Memory stones. Remember what God has done and celebrate.

  • Specific objects you can regularly see that remind you of God’s goodness and faithfulness and how God has come through in the past.

Summary:

  • First Principle: God is always working.
  • Second Principle: There is no such thing as a co-incidence, rather, God-incident.
  • Third Principle: Remember what God has done and celebrate.
  • Be courageous enough to do what God asks you to, especially if you are in a position, power, or influence.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him –

  • “Father God, what would You love me to remember and celebrate about a time when You have worked in my life?”
  • “God, is there something I could buy, make, or look at to remind me of this time?”

Time Stamps:

[0:37] – Gary & Jane share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[3:17] – Background to Esther and outline of the book.

[12:38] – First Principle: God is always working and is never absent.

[14:49] – Second Principle: There is no such thing as a co-incidence.

[20:15] – Third Principle: Remember what God has done and celebrate.

[22:36] – Be courageous enough to do what God’s asking you to do.

[22:57] – Recap the principles.

[23:22] – Prophetic activation.

[24:13] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[25:39] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Esther (chapters 1-10)
  • Esther 4:13-14

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.