When Life Looks Nothing Like Your Plan

Well, today we're starting a brand new Well, today we're starting a brand new message series from the Old Testament message series from the Old Testament message series from the Old Testament book of the Bible called Esther. Get book of the Bible called Esther. Get book of the Bible called Esther. Get ready. 10 chapters, ready. 10 chapters, ready. 10 chapters, 167 verses, and there is one specific 167 verses, and there is one specific 167 verses, and there is one specific quality that sets this book apart from quality that sets this book apart from quality that sets this book apart from every other book of the Bible. Do you every other book of the Bible. Do you every other book of the Bible. Do you know what it is? You ready? In the book know what it is? You ready? In the book know what it is? You ready? In the book of Esther, the only book in all the of Esther, the only book in all the of Esther, the only book in all the Bible, God's name is never mentioned Bible, God's name is never mentioned Bible, God's name is never mentioned once. once. once. Mind-blowing. Not one single time. And Mind-blowing. Not one single time. And Mind-blowing. Not one single time. And yet, even though his name is never yet, even though his name is never yet, even though his name is never mentioned once, our good God is the main mentioned once, our good God is the main mentioned once, our good God is the main character of the book of Esther and will character of the book of Esther and will character of the book of Esther and will see his fingerprints on every single see his fingerprints on every single see his fingerprints on every single page. Why? because sometimes the places page. Why? because sometimes the places page. Why? because sometimes the places where God seems hardest to find are the where God seems hardest to find are the where God seems hardest to find are the very places he's most at work. We're very places he's most at work. We're very places he's most at work. We're going to see that all through this book going to see that all through this book going to see that all through this book today. What we're going to do is we're today. What we're going to do is we're today. What we're going to do is we're going to lay a foundation. If you're going to lay a foundation. If you're going to lay a foundation. If you're ready for that, say, "I'm ready. Are you ready for that, say, "I'm ready. Are you ready for that, say, "I'm ready. Are you ready?"

ready?" ready?" >> We got lots of details, lots of names. >> We got lots of details, lots of names. >> We got lots of details, lots of names. If you're not familiar with the book, If you're not familiar with the book, If you're not familiar with the book, I'm going to introduce you to the I'm going to introduce you to the I'm going to introduce you to the starting lineup. First of all, we have starting lineup. First of all, we have starting lineup. First of all, we have introduced to us early on is King introduced to us early on is King introduced to us early on is King Xerxes, the most powerful man in the Xerxes, the most powerful man in the Xerxes, the most powerful man in the world. And if you don't know it, he world. And if you don't know it, he world. And if you don't know it, he throws the biggest parties in the world. throws the biggest parties in the world. throws the biggest parties in the world. Massive parties. We're going to see Massive parties. We're going to see Massive parties. We're going to see that. Then we have the queen, his wife, that. Then we have the queen, his wife, that. Then we have the queen, his wife, Queen Vashi. Now, if you say, "Craig, Queen Vashi. Now, if you say, "Craig, Queen Vashi. Now, if you say, "Craig, you said Vashi wrong." I actually looked you said Vashi wrong." I actually looked you said Vashi wrong." I actually looked it up in four different places, and I it up in four different places, and I it up in four different places, and I found four different ways to pronounce found four different ways to pronounce found four different ways to pronounce it. So, I'm just going to say it like I it. So, I'm just going to say it like I it. So, I'm just going to say it like I mean it. Vasti, Vasti, Vastai, whatever. mean it. Vasti, Vasti, Vastai, whatever. mean it. Vasti, Vasti, Vastai, whatever. Queen Vasti. She was beautiful and she Queen Vasti. She was beautiful and she Queen Vasti. She was beautiful and she was very, very bold. She didn't like to was very, very bold. She didn't like to was very, very bold. She didn't like to be objectified and so she actually was be objectified and so she actually was be objectified and so she actually was bold enough to tell King Xerxes no. Then bold enough to tell King Xerxes no. Then bold enough to tell King Xerxes no. Then we have Esther. The book is named after we have Esther. The book is named after we have Esther. The book is named after Esther. She was a Jewish orphan.

Esther. She was a Jewish orphan. Esther. She was a Jewish orphan. Obviously, she both lost her parents. Um Obviously, she both lost her parents. Um Obviously, she both lost her parents. Um she was living a very ordinary life and she was living a very ordinary life and she was living a very ordinary life and she was being raised by her cousin she was being raised by her cousin she was being raised by her cousin Mordei. Morortei raised her, loved her Mordei. Morortei raised her, loved her Mordei. Morortei raised her, loved her as if she were his own daughter um and as if she were his own daughter um and as if she were his own daughter um and was the biggest influence in her life. was the biggest influence in her life. was the biggest influence in her life. Uh for context, in this time, God's Uh for context, in this time, God's Uh for context, in this time, God's people were not home anymore. If you people were not home anymore. If you people were not home anymore. If you remember, we've talked about this in remember, we've talked about this in remember, we've talked about this in other message series. Uh Babylon had other message series. Uh Babylon had other message series. Uh Babylon had conquered the Jewish people. And so conquered the Jewish people. And so conquered the Jewish people. And so Esther and the Jewish people, her people Esther and the Jewish people, her people Esther and the Jewish people, her people were in exile. So if you can imagine, were in exile. So if you can imagine, were in exile. So if you can imagine, we've got Esther and her cousin Mori. we've got Esther and her cousin Mori. we've got Esther and her cousin Mori. And all the Jewish people in this place And all the Jewish people in this place And all the Jewish people in this place had never actually seen Jerusalem. So if had never actually seen Jerusalem. So if had never actually seen Jerusalem. So if you can imagine, they're doing their you can imagine, they're doing their you can imagine, they're doing their best to honor God in a foreign culture best to honor God in a foreign culture best to honor God in a foreign culture under a pagan king. It's kind of like under a pagan king. It's kind of like under a pagan king. It's kind of like being a Christian in a world that being a Christian in a world that being a Christian in a world that doesn't represent or respect doesn't represent or respect doesn't represent or respect Christianity. They're trying to honor Christianity. They're trying to honor Christianity. They're trying to honor God under a pagan king. They've got no God under a pagan king. They've got no God under a pagan king. They've got no control, no influence, and sometimes control, no influence, and sometimes control, no influence, and sometimes they're wondering where is God?

they're wondering where is God? they're wondering where is God? If any of you are watching today and If any of you are watching today and If any of you are watching today and there's something going on in your life there's something going on in your life there's something going on in your life that you don't understand, why did God that you don't understand, why did God that you don't understand, why did God allow this? God, why am I going through allow this? God, why am I going through allow this? God, why am I going through this? I'm trying to serve you faithfully this? I'm trying to serve you faithfully this? I'm trying to serve you faithfully and I don't understand this. Many of the and I don't understand this. Many of the and I don't understand this. Many of the people, God's people at the time, were people, God's people at the time, were people, God's people at the time, were asking those same questions. Even though asking those same questions. Even though asking those same questions. Even though God's name wasn't on the page, he was God's name wasn't on the page, he was God's name wasn't on the page, he was still working in the story. And I want still working in the story. And I want still working in the story. And I want to speak to those of you who feel like to speak to those of you who feel like to speak to those of you who feel like God may be distant, God may be absent, God may be distant, God may be absent, God may be distant, God may be absent, God may not be working because you can't God may not be working because you can't God may not be working because you can't see him. And show you the principle see him. And show you the principle see him. And show you the principle today that just because God feels silent today that just because God feels silent today that just because God feels silent doesn't mean he's absent. Would you pray doesn't mean he's absent. Would you pray doesn't mean he's absent. Would you pray with me today? Father, we ask that by with me today? Father, we ask that by with me today? Father, we ask that by the power of uh the preaching of your the power of uh the preaching of your the power of uh the preaching of your word and um the work of your Holy Spirit word and um the work of your Holy Spirit word and um the work of your Holy Spirit that you would conform us to the image that you would conform us to the image that you would conform us to the image of Christ, bring comfort to those that of Christ, bring comfort to those that of Christ, bring comfort to those that are hurting, hope and healing to those are hurting, hope and healing to those are hurting, hope and healing to those who need it. And we believe God that who need it. And we believe God that who need it. And we believe God that your word, your power, your presence is your word, your power, your presence is your word, your power, your presence is going to do a work in all of us today. going to do a work in all of us today. going to do a work in all of us today. We ask it believing by faith you'll We ask it believing by faith you'll We ask it believing by faith you'll speak to us in Jesus' name. And speak to us in Jesus' name. And speak to us in Jesus' name. And everybody said, everybody said, everybody said, >> "Amen."

>> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> Let's try it again. And everybody said, >> Let's try it again. And everybody said, >> Let's try it again. And everybody said, >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> Very good. Type it in the comment >> Very good. Type it in the comment >> Very good. Type it in the comment section. Amen. And amen. Let's get into section. Amen. And amen. Let's get into section. Amen. And amen. Let's get into it. The story starts with King Xerxes it. The story starts with King Xerxes it. The story starts with King Xerxes throwing this big party. Anybody know throwing this big party. Anybody know throwing this big party. Anybody know how long his party lasted? The answer is how long his party lasted? The answer is how long his party lasted? The answer is six months long. He threw a six months long. He threw a six months long. He threw a six-monthlong party showing off his six-monthlong party showing off his six-monthlong party showing off his wealth. Could you say he might be a wealth. Could you say he might be a wealth. Could you say he might be a little bit insecure? Okay. After he little bit insecure? Okay. After he little bit insecure? Okay. After he throws this six-monthlong party kind of throws this six-monthlong party kind of throws this six-monthlong party kind of for the important wealthy people, then for the important wealthy people, then for the important wealthy people, then he throws another 7-day party for he throws another 7-day party for he throws another 7-day party for everybody. And his wife looks on and everybody. And his wife looks on and everybody. And his wife looks on and says, "You think you can throw a party? says, "You think you can throw a party? says, "You think you can throw a party? I'm going to throw one, too." And so, I'm going to throw one, too." And so, I'm going to throw one, too." And so, Queen Vashi throws a separate banquet Queen Vashi throws a separate banquet Queen Vashi throws a separate banquet for all of the women around. And our for all of the women around. And our for all of the women around. And our text tells us this in Esther 1 10 and text tells us this in Esther 1 10 and text tells us this in Esther 1 10 and 11. On the seventh day when King Xerxes 11. On the seventh day when King Xerxes 11. On the seventh day when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, let's was in high spirits from wine, let's was in high spirits from wine, let's pause there. In the Hebrew language, the pause there. In the Hebrew language, the pause there. In the Hebrew language, the Hebrew words translated into high spirit Hebrew words translated into high spirit Hebrew words translated into high spirit from wine literally mean he was wasted.

from wine literally mean he was wasted. from wine literally mean he was wasted. That's what it means in the Hebrew That's what it means in the Hebrew That's what it means in the Hebrew language. So on the seventh day, he was language. So on the seventh day, he was language. So on the seventh day, he was wasted from drinking too much. He wasted from drinking too much. He wasted from drinking too much. He commanded the seven unix who served him commanded the seven unix who served him commanded the seven unix who served him to bring before him Queen Vasti wearing to bring before him Queen Vasti wearing to bring before him Queen Vasti wearing her royal crown in order to display her her royal crown in order to display her her royal crown in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles for she beauty to the people and nobles for she beauty to the people and nobles for she was lovely to look at. So here we have was lovely to look at. So here we have was lovely to look at. So here we have the king. He's drunk and he wants to the king. He's drunk and he wants to the king. He's drunk and he wants to show off his woman. So he says, "Bring show off his woman. So he says, "Bring show off his woman. So he says, "Bring her to me." Not for conversation, her to me." Not for conversation, her to me." Not for conversation, not to get her advice on something, but not to get her advice on something, but not to get her advice on something, but so a room full of drunken men could gawk so a room full of drunken men could gawk so a room full of drunken men could gawk at her. at her. at her. This was not honoring. She was being This was not honoring. She was being This was not honoring. She was being displayed and she didn't like it. Good displayed and she didn't like it. Good displayed and she didn't like it. Good for her. for her. for her. What she did was very, very bold because What she did was very, very bold because What she did was very, very bold because she's going to tell the king, "Ain't she's going to tell the king, "Ain't she's going to tell the king, "Ain't happening." Verse 12, this is what the happening." Verse 12, this is what the happening." Verse 12, this is what the Bible says. But when the attendants Bible says. But when the attendants Bible says. But when the attendants delivered the king's command, Queen delivered the king's command, Queen delivered the king's command, Queen Vashim refused to come. Refused to come.

Vashim refused to come. Refused to come. Vashim refused to come. Refused to come. And then the Bible says the king became And then the Bible says the king became And then the Bible says the king became furious furious furious and burned with anger. You can imagine and burned with anger. You can imagine and burned with anger. You can imagine he's pretty full of himself. The most he's pretty full of himself. The most he's pretty full of himself. The most powerful man in the world. He's trying powerful man in the world. He's trying powerful man in the world. He's trying to show off. And he gets told no. He's to show off. And he gets told no. He's to show off. And he gets told no. He's rejected. Boom. Sought to his pride. rejected. Boom. Sought to his pride. rejected. Boom. Sought to his pride. Now, the advisors to the king were Now, the advisors to the king were Now, the advisors to the king were panicking because the queen just told panicking because the queen just told panicking because the queen just told the king, "No, go." And they're the king, "No, go." And they're the king, "No, go." And they're thinking, "IF THIS GETS OUT, ALL THE thinking, "IF THIS GETS OUT, ALL THE thinking, "IF THIS GETS OUT, ALL THE OTHER women in the empire are going to OTHER women in the empire are going to OTHER women in the empire are going to start telling their husbands no, too. start telling their husbands no, too. start telling their husbands no, too. So, we got to shut this down." They say, So, we got to shut this down." They say, So, we got to shut this down." They say, "King, you got to put a stop to this." "King, you got to put a stop to this." "King, you got to put a stop to this." And so, he agrees to banish Queen Vast And so, he agrees to banish Queen Vast And so, he agrees to banish Queen Vast essentially like divorce her almost even essentially like divorce her almost even essentially like divorce her almost even more so. He banishes her and all of the more so. He banishes her and all of the more so. He banishes her and all of the sudden out of nowhere the queen's role sudden out of nowhere the queen's role sudden out of nowhere the queen's role is open. Are you tracking with me? is open. Are you tracking with me? is open. Are you tracking with me? >> We've covered a lot. So, we've got one >> We've covered a lot. So, we've got one >> We've covered a lot. So, we've got one insecure king. We've got one drunken insecure king. We've got one drunken insecure king. We've got one drunken decision. And now we have an Old decision. And now we have an Old decision. And now we have an Old Testament soap opera Testament soap opera Testament soap opera >> right out of our hand. So, they're like >> right out of our hand. So, they're like >> right out of our hand. So, they're like going, "Okay, we got to fill the queen's going, "Okay, we got to fill the queen's going, "Okay, we got to fill the queen's spot." So, they go and do this spot." So, they go and do this spot." So, they go and do this kingdomwide search to find someone to be kingdomwide search to find someone to be kingdomwide search to find someone to be the new queen. And at first glance, that the new queen. And at first glance, that the new queen. And at first glance, that kind of sounds like a fairy tale. It's kind of sounds like a fairy tale. It's kind of sounds like a fairy tale. It's anything but a fairy tale. Uh, anything but a fairy tale. Uh, anything but a fairy tale. Uh, basically, this is a beauty contest to basically, this is a beauty contest to basically, this is a beauty contest to go and assemble the most beautiful women

go and assemble the most beautiful women go and assemble the most beautiful women who didn't sign up for this job. The who didn't sign up for this job. The who didn't sign up for this job. The most beautiful women are taken against most beautiful women are taken against most beautiful women are taken against their will to the palace at the pleasure their will to the palace at the pleasure their will to the palace at the pleasure of the king. of the king. of the king. Human trafficking Human trafficking Human trafficking is close, right? One of them is this is close, right? One of them is this is close, right? One of them is this Jewish orphan named Esther. And so you Jewish orphan named Esther. And so you Jewish orphan named Esther. And so you can just imagine here's a young girl who can just imagine here's a young girl who can just imagine here's a young girl who already lost her parents. She's got no already lost her parents. She's got no already lost her parents. She's got no money, no connections, no royal money, no connections, no royal money, no connections, no royal background, and she's got her cousin, background, and she's got her cousin, background, and she's got her cousin, like a father figure, Morai, who's the like a father figure, Morai, who's the like a father figure, Morai, who's the only stable thing in her life. AND SO, only stable thing in her life. AND SO, only stable thing in her life. AND SO, SHE'S SWEPT UP WITH all these other SHE'S SWEPT UP WITH all these other SHE'S SWEPT UP WITH all these other girls taken against her will into the girls taken against her will into the girls taken against her will into the palace. And here's what the Bible says. palace. And here's what the Bible says. palace. And here's what the Bible says. There's one word I want you to notice There's one word I want you to notice There's one word I want you to notice that's important. When the king's order that's important. When the king's order that's important. When the king's order and edict had been proclaimed, many and edict had been proclaimed, many and edict had been proclaimed, many young women were brought to the citadels young women were brought to the citadels young women were brought to the citadels of Souza and Esther was also taken to of Souza and Esther was also taken to of Souza and Esther was also taken to the king's palace. That word taken is the king's palace. That word taken is the king's palace. That word taken is very, very, very important. She did not very, very, very important. She did not very, very, very important. She did not choose this. She was taken there. So, choose this. She was taken there. So, choose this. She was taken there. So, let's slow it down.

let's slow it down. let's slow it down. She's Jewish in a Persian palace. She's Jewish in a Persian palace. She's Jewish in a Persian palace. the Persian people hated the Jews. And the Persian people hated the Jews. And the Persian people hated the Jews. And so she's trying to keep this a secret. so she's trying to keep this a secret. so she's trying to keep this a secret. And Morortei tells her, "Don't tell And Morortei tells her, "Don't tell And Morortei tells her, "Don't tell anybody about your Jewish heritage anybody about your Jewish heritage anybody about your Jewish heritage because we want to keep that secret for because we want to keep that secret for because we want to keep that secret for your own safety." So if you can imagine, your own safety." So if you can imagine, your own safety." So if you can imagine, one day there's a young girl. She's, you one day there's a young girl. She's, you one day there's a young girl. She's, you know, doing whatever she does with her know, doing whatever she does with her know, doing whatever she does with her friends, living with the the with Mori, friends, living with the the with Mori, friends, living with the the with Mori, and she's taken out of her ordinary life and she's taken out of her ordinary life and she's taken out of her ordinary life inside the most powerful palace in the inside the most powerful palace in the inside the most powerful palace in the world, hiding her true identity because world, hiding her true identity because world, hiding her true identity because if they know who she is, her life could if they know who she is, her life could if they know who she is, her life could be in danger. Then if you read the be in danger. Then if you read the be in danger. Then if you read the story, and there's a lot of it, so I'm story, and there's a lot of it, so I'm story, and there's a lot of it, so I'm going to skip over some. I'm kind of going to skip over some. I'm kind of going to skip over some. I'm kind of give you the details. These women, they give you the details. These women, they give you the details. These women, they undergo 12 months of mandatory beauty undergo 12 months of mandatory beauty undergo 12 months of mandatory beauty treatments. Now, some of you going, treatments. Now, some of you going, treatments. Now, some of you going, "Okay, "Okay, "Okay, 12 months at the spa." Okay, it sounds 12 months at the spa." Okay, it sounds 12 months at the spa." Okay, it sounds fun and might be until they wax your fun and might be until they wax your fun and might be until they wax your eyebrows.

eyebrows. eyebrows. Just saying. You say, "Craig, how do you Just saying. You say, "Craig, how do you Just saying. You say, "Craig, how do you know that?" Well, one time I did go to know that?" Well, one time I did go to know that?" Well, one time I did go to get my haircut and the person cutting my get my haircut and the person cutting my get my haircut and the person cutting my hair said, "Your eyebrows are a hair said, "Your eyebrows are a hair said, "Your eyebrows are a problem." She put this thing on my problem." She put this thing on my problem." She put this thing on my eyebrows, ripped them off. I said, "From eyebrows, ripped them off. I said, "From eyebrows, ripped them off. I said, "From now on, I will do them myself." I did now on, I will do them myself." I did now on, I will do them myself." I did them myself. I had a little eyebrow them myself. I had a little eyebrow them myself. I had a little eyebrow cutter. I took the guard off cuz it cutter. I took the guard off cuz it cutter. I took the guard off cuz it wouldn't get them sharp enough. I wouldn't get them sharp enough. I wouldn't get them sharp enough. I trimmed them all the way off one time trimmed them all the way off one time trimmed them all the way off one time right before I preached. If you don't right before I preached. If you don't right before I preached. If you don't believe me, I had the picture to prove believe me, I had the picture to prove believe me, I had the picture to prove it. So now someone else does my it. So now someone else does my it. So now someone else does my eyebrows, eyebrows, eyebrows, a yearong of beauty treatments. And this a yearong of beauty treatments. And this a yearong of beauty treatments. And this sounds fun, but it's not because they're sounds fun, but it's not because they're sounds fun, but it's not because they're actually objectifying these precious actually objectifying these precious actually objectifying these precious women. A year later, they all are women. A year later, they all are women. A year later, they all are presented to the king. And if he likes presented to the king. And if he likes presented to the king. And if he likes them, if he likes Esther, he'll call her them, if he likes Esther, he'll call her them, if he likes Esther, he'll call her back. If not, she's just going to be back. If not, she's just going to be back. If not, she's just going to be another one of the women in his herum. another one of the women in his herum. another one of the women in his herum. It's kind of like a historic version of It's kind of like a historic version of It's kind of like a historic version of the bachelor, king's edition, against the bachelor, king's edition, against the bachelor, king's edition, against their will. Verse 17 of chapter 2 says their will. Verse 17 of chapter 2 says their will. Verse 17 of chapter 2 says this. Now when the king saw her, he was this. Now when the king saw her, he was this. Now when the king saw her, he was attracted to Esther more than any of the attracted to Esther more than any of the attracted to Esther more than any of the other woman women and she won his favor other woman women and she won his favor other woman women and she won his favor and approval. So what did the king do?

and approval. So what did the king do? and approval. So what did the king do? He set a royal crown on her head and He set a royal crown on her head and He set a royal crown on her head and made Esther queen instead of vast. made Esther queen instead of vast. made Esther queen instead of vast. Amazing Amazing Amazing crazy story. Crazy, crazy, crazy. A crazy story. Crazy, crazy, crazy. A crazy story. Crazy, crazy, crazy. A Jewish orphan, probably in her late Jewish orphan, probably in her late Jewish orphan, probably in her late teens, has a crown on her head. A year teens, has a crown on her head. A year teens, has a crown on her head. A year ago, she was a nobody, and now she's the ago, she was a nobody, and now she's the ago, she was a nobody, and now she's the queen of an entire empire. You might queen of an entire empire. You might queen of an entire empire. You might think that's incredible, except think that's incredible, except think that's incredible, except she didn't choose this. she didn't choose this. she didn't choose this. She didn't ask for it. She was taken She didn't ask for it. She was taken She didn't ask for it. She was taken against her will and this was not what against her will and this was not what against her will and this was not what she had planned for her life. she had planned for her life. she had planned for her life. Long setup for me to ask you the Long setup for me to ask you the Long setup for me to ask you the question. Is there anyone here or online question. Is there anyone here or online question. Is there anyone here or online where your life has not gone according where your life has not gone according where your life has not gone according to your plan? Raise your hand. You can to your plan? Raise your hand. You can to your plan? Raise your hand. You can type in the comment section, my life has type in the comment section, my life has type in the comment section, my life has not gone according to plan. It's true not gone according to plan. It's true not gone according to plan. It's true for all of us. And I don't know what it for all of us. And I don't know what it for all of us. And I don't know what it would be for you, but you had some kind would be for you, but you had some kind would be for you, but you had some kind of hope for your life. I I I hoped to of hope for your life. I I I hoped to of hope for your life. I I I hoped to graduate and go to this school and you graduate and go to this school and you graduate and go to this school and you didn't get it. Or get out and get this didn't get it. Or get out and get this didn't get it. Or get out and get this kind of job and it didn't work out. Or kind of job and it didn't work out. Or kind of job and it didn't work out. Or you had the job and you lost a job. Or you had the job and you lost a job. Or you had the job and you lost a job. Or you were going to marry this kind of you were going to marry this kind of you were going to marry this kind of person, you didn't get married when you person, you didn't get married when you person, you didn't get married when you thought you would. Or you did get thought you would. Or you did get thought you would. Or you did get married and the person who wasn't who married and the person who wasn't who married and the person who wasn't who you thought they were. And you thought you thought they were. And you thought you thought they were. And you thought you were going to have this many kids you were going to have this many kids you were going to have this many kids and you couldn't have one. And then you and you couldn't have one. And then you and you couldn't have one. And then you had a couple and one of them didn't go had a couple and one of them didn't go had a couple and one of them didn't go the way you wanted them to go. And you the way you wanted them to go. And you the way you wanted them to go. And you thought you'd be able to be generous and thought you'd be able to be generous and thought you'd be able to be generous and you can barely pay your bills. And you

you can barely pay your bills. And you you can barely pay your bills. And you thought you'd be healthy and you're not thought you'd be healthy and you're not thought you'd be healthy and you're not healthy. and you thought you'd be with healthy. and you thought you'd be with healthy. and you thought you'd be with somebody and you lost that somebody. You somebody and you lost that somebody. You somebody and you lost that somebody. You wake up one day and go, "God, where are wake up one day and go, "God, where are wake up one day and go, "God, where are you? This isn't what I had planned. you? This isn't what I had planned. you? This isn't what I had planned. You had this whole thing the way you You had this whole thing the way you You had this whole thing the way you wanted it. You could see what you your wanted it. You could see what you your wanted it. You could see what you your life was supposed to look like." A and life was supposed to look like." A and life was supposed to look like." A and life change without asking your life change without asking your life change without asking your permission. permission. permission. And so, a lot of us, if we're honest, And so, a lot of us, if we're honest, And so, a lot of us, if we're honest, we're saying we'd say right now like, "I we're saying we'd say right now like, "I we're saying we'd say right now like, "I am not living plan A." am not living plan A." am not living plan A." Some of you would say, "I'm not living Some of you would say, "I'm not living Some of you would say, "I'm not living plan B. I'm on plan Q part two, and I'm plan B. I'm on plan Q part two, and I'm plan B. I'm on plan Q part two, and I'm not sure where this is going." Um, not sure where this is going." Um, not sure where this is going." Um, Esther was not living the life she Esther was not living the life she Esther was not living the life she planned, and she didn't know it in the planned, and she didn't know it in the planned, and she didn't know it in the same way you may not know it, but even same way you may not know it, but even same way you may not know it, but even though she didn't know it, God was though she didn't know it, God was though she didn't know it, God was positioning her positioning her positioning her for a purpose. for a purpose. for a purpose. In the same way, you may not know it.

In the same way, you may not know it. In the same way, you may not know it. You're at a place that you didn't want You're at a place that you didn't want You're at a place that you didn't want to be, but God could even work in the to be, but God could even work in the to be, but God could even work in the things that you didn't choose to bring things that you didn't choose to bring things that you didn't choose to bring about something that he would purpose. about something that he would purpose. about something that he would purpose. She wasn't in the palace for her own She wasn't in the palace for her own She wasn't in the palace for her own comfort. Now I'm the queen. She was in comfort. Now I'm the queen. She was in comfort. Now I'm the queen. She was in the palace for God's purposes that she the palace for God's purposes that she the palace for God's purposes that she didn't even know at this point. didn't even know at this point. didn't even know at this point. She's living a life she didn't plan. If She's living a life she didn't plan. If She's living a life she didn't plan. If you are there today, maybe there's you are there today, maybe there's you are there today, maybe there's something you don't like. It's different something you don't like. It's different something you don't like. It's different than what you wanted. I want to tell you than what you wanted. I want to tell you than what you wanted. I want to tell you this and I want you to feel it and this and I want you to feel it and this and I want you to feel it and believe it. God can use the very thing believe it. God can use the very thing believe it. God can use the very thing you'd never choose. you'd never choose. you'd never choose. That's how good he is. And it's not That's how good he is. And it's not That's how good he is. And it's not because every painful thing in your life because every painful thing in your life because every painful thing in your life was God's plan, was God's plan, was God's plan, but it's because nothing is beyond God's but it's because nothing is beyond God's but it's because nothing is beyond God's purpose and redemption. He is a good God purpose and redemption. He is a good God purpose and redemption. He is a good God who's working in all things to bring who's working in all things to bring who's working in all things to bring about good to those who love him and are about good to those who love him and are about good to those who love him and are called according to his purpose. She called according to his purpose. She called according to his purpose. She wasn't in the palace for her own wasn't in the palace for her own wasn't in the palace for her own comfort. God positioned her there for a comfort. God positioned her there for a comfort. God positioned her there for a purpose. So, you didn't want it. You purpose. So, you didn't want it. You purpose. So, you didn't want it. You didn't choose the breakup. Of course, didn't choose the breakup. Of course, didn't choose the breakup. Of course, you didn't. You didn't choose to lose you didn't. You didn't choose to lose you didn't. You didn't choose to lose your job. Of course, you didn't. You your job. Of course, you didn't. You your job. Of course, you didn't. You didn't choose the bad diagnosis. Of didn't choose the bad diagnosis. Of didn't choose the bad diagnosis. Of course, you didn't. You didn't choose to course, you didn't. You didn't choose to course, you didn't. You didn't choose to be in a place that you didn't want to

be in a place that you didn't want to be in a place that you didn't want to be. You didn't choose to lose the person be. You didn't choose to lose the person be. You didn't choose to lose the person that you loved. Life changed without that you loved. Life changed without that you loved. Life changed without your permission. And God might feel your permission. And God might feel your permission. And God might feel distant or absent. Remember, distant or absent. Remember, distant or absent. Remember, even if God feels absent, it doesn't even if God feels absent, it doesn't even if God feels absent, it doesn't mean he's not working. mean he's not working. mean he's not working. Even though his name wasn't on the page, Even though his name wasn't on the page, Even though his name wasn't on the page, his power was in every single moment. his power was in every single moment. his power was in every single moment. He's with you. He's with you. He's with He's with you. He's with you. He's with He's with you. He's with you. He's with you. He's with you. He's with you. He's you. He's with you. He's with you. He's you. He's with you. He's with you. He's with you. with you. with you. In the in the story, there's this little In the in the story, there's this little In the in the story, there's this little detail that's really easy to miss. I'm detail that's really easy to miss. I'm detail that's really easy to miss. I'm going to set it up for you today, and going to set it up for you today, and going to set it up for you today, and you're going to have to come back to see you're going to have to come back to see you're going to have to come back to see the power in it. In the same way, there the power in it. In the same way, there the power in it. In the same way, there are some details perhaps in your life are some details perhaps in your life are some details perhaps in your life today today today that are very easy to miss. And you may that are very easy to miss. And you may that are very easy to miss. And you may not see the purpose in that detail until not see the purpose in that detail until not see the purpose in that detail until you see God's you see God's you see God's provision in the future. Uh Mori raised provision in the future. Uh Mori raised provision in the future. Uh Mori raised Esther and um she was taken away from Esther and um she was taken away from Esther and um she was taken away from him. Uh he didn't get bitter, he didn't him. Uh he didn't get bitter, he didn't him. Uh he didn't get bitter, he didn't get drunk. He actually did his job and get drunk. He actually did his job and get drunk. He actually did his job and sit outside the palace gate. He would sit outside the palace gate. He would sit outside the palace gate. He would stay at the GATE AS CLOSE AS THEY WOULD stay at the GATE AS CLOSE AS THEY WOULD stay at the GATE AS CLOSE AS THEY WOULD LET HIM to her. Uh verse 21 of chapter 2 LET HIM to her. Uh verse 21 of chapter 2 LET HIM to her. Uh verse 21 of chapter 2 tells us this. Uh during the time Morai tells us this. Uh during the time Morai tells us this. Uh during the time Morai was sitting at the king's gate, two of was sitting at the king's gate, two of was sitting at the king's gate, two of the king's officers conspired to the king's officers conspired to the king's officers conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. So he's just

assassinate King Xerxes. So he's just assassinate King Xerxes. So he's just sitting there kind of waiting just close sitting there kind of waiting just close sitting there kind of waiting just close to her and he overhears, "Hey, we're two to her and he overhears, "Hey, we're two to her and he overhears, "Hey, we're two guys. We're going to kill the king." But guys. We're going to kill the king." But guys. We're going to kill the king." But Morortei found out about the plot and Morortei found out about the plot and Morortei found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported told Queen Esther, who in turn reported told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mori. it to the king, giving credit to Mori. it to the king, giving credit to Mori. And when the report was investigated and And when the report was investigated and And when the report was investigated and found to be true, uh-oh, the two found to be true, uh-oh, the two found to be true, uh-oh, the two officials were impaled on poles. And all officials were impaled on poles. And all officials were impaled on poles. And all this is recorded in the book of an this is recorded in the book of an this is recorded in the book of an annals. Whenever you're talking about annals. Whenever you're talking about annals. Whenever you're talking about being impelled, make sure you say anals. being impelled, make sure you say anals. being impelled, make sure you say anals. Just saying. Two ends. I've practiced it Just saying. Two ends. I've practiced it Just saying. Two ends. I've practiced it years ago. I called it anals. Oh Lord, years ago. I called it anals. Oh Lord, years ago. I called it anals. Oh Lord, God help me. God help me. God help me. They were impaled. And it's recorded in They were impaled. And it's recorded in They were impaled. And it's recorded in the book of Ann Nulls in the presence of the book of Ann Nulls in the presence of the book of Ann Nulls in the presence of the king. So, if you're tracking with the king. So, if you're tracking with the king. So, if you're tracking with me, Morai the cousin just so happens to me, Morai the cousin just so happens to me, Morai the cousin just so happens to be at the gate and just so happens to be at the gate and just so happens to be at the gate and just so happens to hear the story and just so happen hear the story and just so happen hear the story and just so happen reports it to Esther who just so happens reports it to Esther who just so happens reports it to Esther who just so happens to save the king and the king's life is to save the king and the king's life is to save the king and the king's life is saved and Esther gives him credit and it saved and Esther gives him credit and it saved and Esther gives him credit and it gets recorded in the official record gets recorded in the official record gets recorded in the official record book book book and then nothing happens.

and then nothing happens. and then nothing happens. He saves the king and there is no He saves the king and there is no He saves the king and there is no reward, reward, reward, no promotion, no promotion, no promotion, no recognition, no acknowledgement. no recognition, no acknowledgement. no recognition, no acknowledgement. Mori does the right thing and the next Mori does the right thing and the next Mori does the right thing and the next day he's sitting at the same gate with day he's sitting at the same gate with day he's sitting at the same gate with the same ordinary life doing the same the same ordinary life doing the same the same ordinary life doing the same job that wasn't that meaningful to him job that wasn't that meaningful to him job that wasn't that meaningful to him before. And some of you may feel that before. And some of you may feel that before. And some of you may feel that way. you're doing the right thing and it way. you're doing the right thing and it way. you're doing the right thing and it seems like nothing is happening. seems like nothing is happening. seems like nothing is happening. He did the right thing and no one He did the right thing and no one He did the right thing and no one noticed and that detail just sits there noticed and that detail just sits there noticed and that detail just sits there for four chapters or so. for four chapters or so. for four chapters or so. Or so it seems. Or so it seems. Or so it seems. And you got to come back to find out And you got to come back to find out And you got to come back to find out what happens. Or you can read ahead, but what happens. Or you can read ahead, but what happens. Or you can read ahead, but I hope you at least come back as well. I hope you at least come back as well. I hope you at least come back as well. Now, I want you to notice this. Now, I want you to notice this. Now, I want you to notice this. The first two chapters of the book we've The first two chapters of the book we've The first two chapters of the book we've looked at today, kind of an overview, looked at today, kind of an overview, looked at today, kind of an overview, and none of it looks like God is and none of it looks like God is and none of it looks like God is involved anywhere.

involved anywhere. involved anywhere. It looks like ordinary life. It looks like ordinary life. It looks like ordinary life. Maybe like your week this week. Maybe like your week this week. Maybe like your week this week. No miracles, No miracles, No miracles, no burning bush, no voice from heaven no burning bush, no voice from heaven no burning bush, no voice from heaven that sounds like Morgan Freeman. Just ordinary life. Just ordinary life. It's ordinary life. It's ordinary life. It's ordinary life. But what if But what if But what if that's exactly where God works the most? that's exactly where God works the most? that's exactly where God works the most? Not only in the miracles, Not only in the miracles, Not only in the miracles, but also in the ordinary moments. but also in the ordinary moments. but also in the ordinary moments. Not only in what gets noticed, Not only in what gets noticed, Not only in what gets noticed, but also in what seems forgotten. God's name wasn't on the page. God's name wasn't on the page. But his presence was in every single But his presence was in every single But his presence was in every single moment, every single activity. moment, every single activity. moment, every single activity. And so, let's review.

And so, let's review. And so, let's review. We're building a foundation. We're going We're building a foundation. We're going We're building a foundation. We're going to build on it week after week. Um, the to build on it week after week. Um, the to build on it week after week. Um, the queen refuses to be paraded and queen refuses to be paraded and queen refuses to be paraded and objectified. objectified. objectified. Just so happens to stand up to the king Just so happens to stand up to the king Just so happens to stand up to the king and say, you could probably imagine she and say, you could probably imagine she and say, you could probably imagine she probably was used over and over again. probably was used over and over again. probably was used over and over again. And one day she just so happens to say, And one day she just so happens to say, And one day she just so happens to say, "That's enough. Can't do that." It just "That's enough. Can't do that." It just "That's enough. Can't do that." It just so happens the advisor say, "You got to so happens the advisor say, "You got to so happens the advisor say, "You got to get rid of her." Just so happens the get rid of her." Just so happens the get rid of her." Just so happens the king listens to their advice. It just so king listens to their advice. It just so king listens to their advice. It just so happens he banishes the queen. And it happens he banishes the queen. And it happens he banishes the queen. And it just so happens the throne opens. It just so happens the throne opens. It just so happens the throne opens. It just so happens they do a kingdomwide just so happens they do a kingdomwide just so happens they do a kingdomwide search. And it just so happens Esther, search. And it just so happens Esther, search. And it just so happens Esther, the Jewish orphan, is one of them who's the Jewish orphan, is one of them who's the Jewish orphan, is one of them who's selected after a year-long beauty selected after a year-long beauty selected after a year-long beauty treatment. Just so happens the king's treatment. Just so happens the king's treatment. Just so happens the king's heart moves toward her. It just so heart moves toward her. It just so heart moves toward her. It just so happens she finds favor. And it just so happens she finds favor. And it just so happens she finds favor. And it just so happens this ordinary Jewish girl happens this ordinary Jewish girl happens this ordinary Jewish girl becomes the queen. It just so happens becomes the queen. It just so happens becomes the queen. It just so happens that her cousin Morai overhears this that her cousin Morai overhears this that her cousin Morai overhears this plot. It just so happens he's got access plot. It just so happens he's got access plot. It just so happens he's got access to the queen. And he tells her and it to the queen. And he tells her and it to the queen. And he tells her and it just so happens that his one act saves just so happens that his one act saves just so happens that his one act saves the king's life. And his deed gets the king's life. And his deed gets the king's life. And his deed gets reported in the book of annals and it's apparently and it's apparently forgotten forgotten forgotten and none of this is miraculous

>> Theologians call this providence. >> Theologians call this providence. The definition for providence is this. The definition for providence is this. The definition for providence is this. It's when God uses ordinary moments It's when God uses ordinary moments It's when God uses ordinary moments to bring about his supernatural will. to bring about his supernatural will. to bring about his supernatural will. It's when God uses just the thing that It's when God uses just the thing that It's when God uses just the thing that you didn't think was a big deal. And a you didn't think was a big deal. And a you didn't think was a big deal. And a lot of people didn't even notice, lot of people didn't even notice, lot of people didn't even notice, but years later when you look back to but years later when you look back to but years later when you look back to that moment, you say, "Oh, God was that moment, you say, "Oh, God was that moment, you say, "Oh, God was actually in the very thing that I didn't actually in the very thing that I didn't actually in the very thing that I didn't understand." understand." understand." You see, because sometimes the places You see, because sometimes the places You see, because sometimes the places where God seems the hardest to find are where God seems the hardest to find are where God seems the hardest to find are the places where God is actually working the places where God is actually working the places where God is actually working the most. And the reason I'm trying to build this And the reason I'm trying to build this foundation is because I want you to see foundation is because I want you to see foundation is because I want you to see the principle. Some of you right now, the principle. Some of you right now, the principle. Some of you right now, you're in a place you didn't choose. you're in a place you didn't choose. you're in a place you didn't choose. That this was not your plan. That this was not your plan. That this was not your plan. And sometimes you do the very same thing And sometimes you do the very same thing And sometimes you do the very same thing I do, which is I look around and going, I do, which is I look around and going, I do, which is I look around and going, "God, I'm being faithful. And why are "God, I'm being faithful. And why are "God, I'm being faithful. And why are you allowing this? you allowing this? you allowing this? Where are you? And sometimes you start Where are you? And sometimes you start Where are you? And sometimes you start to wonder, does God even notice to wonder, does God even notice to wonder, does God even notice if he's allowing this? Does he even if he's allowing this? Does he even if he's allowing this? Does he even care?

care? care? You're doing the right thing. You're You're doing the right thing. You're You're doing the right thing. You're trying. You're serving faithfully. trying. You're serving faithfully. trying. You're serving faithfully. You're giving when you can. You're You're giving when you can. You're You're giving when you can. You're praying. You're seeking God in his word. praying. You're seeking God in his word. praying. You're seeking God in his word. You're you're working hard. You're being You're you're working hard. You're being You're you're working hard. You're being faithful. And nobody notices. Faithfulness is never wasted. Faithfulness is never wasted. Faithfulness is never wasted. Faithfulness is never wasted. Faithfulness is never wasted. What what may be unnoticed by people is What what may be unnoticed by people is What what may be unnoticed by people is recorded by God. recorded by God. recorded by God. And I want you to feel this right now. And I want you to feel this right now. And I want you to feel this right now. God knows the cries of your heart. Your God knows the cries of your heart. Your God knows the cries of your heart. Your faithfulness isn't wasted. And God is often working the most in the And God is often working the most in the things that don't make any sense to you. things that don't make any sense to you. things that don't make any sense to you. Random example, I've told this before, Random example, I've told this before, Random example, I've told this before, but it's so personal to me and so but it's so personal to me and so but it's so personal to me and so powerful. My dad um played minor league powerful. My dad um played minor league powerful. My dad um played minor league pro baseball, almost kind of made it all pro baseball, almost kind of made it all pro baseball, almost kind of made it all the way. And so everything to him was the way. And so everything to him was the way. And so everything to him was baseball. My whole life was baseball, baseball. My whole life was baseball, baseball. My whole life was baseball, baseball, baseball. If I would preach a baseball, baseball. If I would preach a baseball, baseball. If I would preach a good sermon, he'd say, "That's a fast good sermon, he'd say, "That's a fast good sermon, he'd say, "That's a fast ball down the middle." or he say, "Hit ball down the middle." or he say, "Hit ball down the middle." or he say, "Hit that one out of the park." It was never that one out of the park." It was never that one out of the park." It was never like a good sermon. He didn't know how like a good sermon. He didn't know how like a good sermon. He didn't know how to say good sermon. He said, "That to say good sermon. He said, "That to say good sermon. He said, "That sermon has some heat on it."

sermon has some heat on it." sermon has some heat on it." That's what he say. So, I can be a pro That's what he say. So, I can be a pro That's what he say. So, I can be a pro baseball player. It's pretty good. I baseball player. It's pretty good. I baseball player. It's pretty good. I went to a batting cage before I was went to a batting cage before I was went to a batting cage before I was supposed to pitch in the championship supposed to pitch in the championship supposed to pitch in the championship game. Took one inside, smashed my hand, game. Took one inside, smashed my hand, game. Took one inside, smashed my hand, couldn't pitch the next day. couldn't pitch the next day. couldn't pitch the next day. God, why would you let this happen to God, why would you let this happen to God, why would you let this happen to me? God, where are you? You've been me? God, where are you? You've been me? God, where are you? You've been there. This was my plan. Now, I couldn't there. This was my plan. Now, I couldn't there. This was my plan. Now, I couldn't do this. is the weirdest thing. I've do this. is the weirdest thing. I've do this. is the weirdest thing. I've never been afraid. I was afraid to get never been afraid. I was afraid to get never been afraid. I was afraid to get back in the box. I was I was just back in the box. I was I was just back in the box. I was I was just afraid. I'm supposed to be I'm not afraid. I'm supposed to be I'm not afraid. I'm supposed to be I'm not supposed to be afraid. Transferred to a supposed to be afraid. Transferred to a supposed to be afraid. Transferred to a new school, took up tennis in the fall new school, took up tennis in the fall new school, took up tennis in the fall just because I liked this person of the just because I liked this person of the just because I liked this person of the opposite sex that played tennis and just opposite sex that played tennis and just opposite sex that played tennis and just decided to play that. And then I played decided to play that. And then I played decided to play that. And then I played baseball later. I just somehow happened baseball later. I just somehow happened baseball later. I just somehow happened to make the team number six on the team to make the team number six on the team to make the team number six on the team and was afraid to bat. So I thought I'll and was afraid to bat. So I thought I'll and was afraid to bat. So I thought I'll take a year off at baseball. Our little take a year off at baseball. Our little take a year off at baseball. Our little team, I was number six. Ended up winning team, I was number six. Ended up winning team, I was number six. Ended up winning the state championship and I got a the state championship and I got a the state championship and I got a little bit better. The next year I came little bit better. The next year I came little bit better. The next year I came back in the fall and I ended up somehow back in the fall and I ended up somehow back in the fall and I ended up somehow they graduated. I ended up playing they graduated. I ended up playing they graduated. I ended up playing number one. if I'm afraid, I'm going to number one. if I'm afraid, I'm going to number one. if I'm afraid, I'm going to just stay with tennis. Which led me to just stay with tennis. Which led me to just stay with tennis. Which led me to to go to a school I would never go to, to go to a school I would never go to, to go to a school I would never go to, where I fell deep into sin, which led me where I fell deep into sin, which led me where I fell deep into sin, which led me to call on the name of Jesus, which to call on the name of Jesus, which to call on the name of Jesus, which saved and changed my life, which led me saved and changed my life, which led me saved and changed my life, which led me to meet Amy, who was the answered prayer to meet Amy, who was the answered prayer to meet Amy, who was the answered prayer that I've been praying for, which led me that I've been praying for, which led me that I've been praying for, which led me to stay in Oklahoma City when I got a to stay in Oklahoma City when I got a to stay in Oklahoma City when I got a better job offer somewhere else because better job offer somewhere else because better job offer somewhere else because I wasn't going to leave her.

I wasn't going to leave her. I wasn't going to leave her. >> Which led me to the Yeah. And that >> Which led me to the Yeah. And that >> Which led me to the Yeah. And that wasn't even Amy for those of you that wasn't even Amy for those of you that wasn't even Amy for those of you that are wondering. That's somebody else. That's Amy's friend to be honest with That's Amy's friend to be honest with you. you. you. And that led me to First United And that led me to First United And that led me to First United Methodist Church where Pastor Nick Methodist Church where Pastor Nick Methodist Church where Pastor Nick became a spiritual father and helped me became a spiritual father and helped me became a spiritual father and helped me get into ministry. And then they hoped get into ministry. And then they hoped get into ministry. And then they hoped one day that I might take over that one day that I might take over that one day that I might take over that church. But I actually got rejected for church. But I actually got rejected for church. But I actually got rejected for ordination. True story. where are you God? Which True story. where are you God? Which redirected my stepson. So I ended up redirected my stepson. So I ended up redirected my stepson. So I ended up starting Life Church through some things starting Life Church through some things starting Life Church through some things that didn't go as planned. And so here I that didn't go as planned. And so here I that didn't go as planned. And so here I am today am today am today preaching about a book of the Bible preaching about a book of the Bible preaching about a book of the Bible where God's name doesn't appear, but his where God's name doesn't appear, but his where God's name doesn't appear, but his presence and power is everywhere. And I presence and power is everywhere. And I presence and power is everywhere. And I can tell you firsthand, if life had gone can tell you firsthand, if life had gone can tell you firsthand, if life had gone according to my plan, I would not be according to my plan, I would not be according to my plan, I would not be living God's plan for my life today.

And so And so I hope you I hope you I hope you sense that God's working in your life, sense that God's working in your life, sense that God's working in your life, too. Think about Esther. She lost her too. Think about Esther. She lost her too. Think about Esther. She lost her parents. She lost her home. She lost her parents. She lost her home. She lost her parents. She lost her home. She lost her freedom. The whole time she thought, freedom. The whole time she thought, freedom. The whole time she thought, "Life is falling apart. Where is God? "Life is falling apart. Where is God? "Life is falling apart. Where is God? But God was quietly But God was quietly But God was quietly putting all the pieces together. And he putting all the pieces together. And he putting all the pieces together. And he wasn't just preparing a queen. He was wasn't just preparing a queen. He was wasn't just preparing a queen. He was preparing her preparing her preparing her to save his people. I just gave a little to save his people. I just gave a little to save his people. I just gave a little bit away. You don't have to read ahead, bit away. You don't have to read ahead, bit away. You don't have to read ahead, but I'm just kind of giving it away. but I'm just kind of giving it away. but I'm just kind of giving it away. So, if you're in a chapter of your life So, if you're in a chapter of your life So, if you're in a chapter of your life right now that feels confusing or maybe right now that feels confusing or maybe right now that feels confusing or maybe a little bit out of control and you a little bit out of control and you a little bit out of control and you can't see what God is doing and you can't see what God is doing and you can't see what God is doing and you don't feel his presence, you don't hear don't feel his presence, you don't hear don't feel his presence, you don't hear his voice, just because he's silent his voice, just because he's silent his voice, just because he's silent doesn't mean he's absent. Sometimes he's doesn't mean he's absent. Sometimes he's doesn't mean he's absent. Sometimes he's working or you just can't see him yet. I working or you just can't see him yet. I working or you just can't see him yet. I want you to hear me. The same God who want you to hear me. The same God who want you to hear me. The same God who put that orphan on the throne is the put that orphan on the throne is the put that orphan on the throne is the same God who is with you right where you same God who is with you right where you same God who is with you right where you are. And you may not see him yet and you are. And you may not see him yet and you are. And you may not see him yet and you may not feel him, but keep trusting him.

may not feel him, but keep trusting him. may not feel him, but keep trusting him. Keep being faithful. Keep keep crying Keep being faithful. Keep keep crying Keep being faithful. Keep keep crying out to him. Keep reading his word. Keep out to him. Keep reading his word. Keep out to him. Keep reading his word. Keep living his word because faithfulness is living his word because faithfulness is living his word because faithfulness is not wasted. And one day you'll discover not wasted. And one day you'll discover not wasted. And one day you'll discover that God you thought was absent. that God you thought was absent. that God you thought was absent. He was working all along. That is our He was working all along. That is our He was working all along. That is our good God. And that's part one of Vester. good God. And that's part one of Vester. good God. And that's part one of Vester. And it even gets better. Father, we pray And it even gets better. Father, we pray And it even gets better. Father, we pray in the name of Jesus that the power of in the name of Jesus that the power of in the name of Jesus that the power of your Holy Spirit would do a healing work your Holy Spirit would do a healing work your Holy Spirit would do a healing work in the lives of those who need it today. in the lives of those who need it today. in the lives of those who need it today. Church, as you're praying and those of Church, as you're praying and those of Church, as you're praying and those of you um even around the world online, you um even around the world online, you um even around the world online, if your life hasn't gone as planned and if your life hasn't gone as planned and if your life hasn't gone as planned and you're in one of those spots right now you're in one of those spots right now you're in one of those spots right now where you really need the power and the where you really need the power and the where you really need the power and the presence of God, um would you just lift presence of God, um would you just lift presence of God, um would you just lift up your hand right now? Lift him up. up your hand right now? Lift him up. up your hand right now? Lift him up. Lift him up. Let's do this. I'm going to Lift him up. Let's do this. I'm going to Lift him up. Let's do this. I'm going to change my pace right here. Stop. Open change my pace right here. Stop. Open change my pace right here. Stop. Open your eyes. Open your eyes. All open your your eyes. Open your eyes. All open your your eyes. Open your eyes. All open your eyes. What I want to do is if you're eyes. What I want to do is if you're eyes. What I want to do is if you're okay, would you just do that again? If okay, would you just do that again? If okay, would you just do that again? If you need prayer today, would you just you need prayer today, would you just you need prayer today, would you just lift up your hands publicly? Beautiful.

lift up your hands publicly? Beautiful. lift up your hands publicly? Beautiful. Lift them up. What I want you to do is Lift them up. What I want you to do is Lift them up. What I want you to do is if you're around somebody right now with if you're around somebody right now with if you're around somebody right now with their hand lifted up, just put your And their hand lifted up, just put your And their hand lifted up, just put your And I'm going to tell you why I'm doing this I'm going to tell you why I'm doing this I'm going to tell you why I'm doing this is because we are not a big church. is because we are not a big church. is because we are not a big church. We're a small church that cares for the We're a small church that cares for the We're a small church that cares for the people sitting next to us. Okay? We're people sitting next to us. Okay? We're people sitting next to us. Okay? We're not going to just come in and go out. not going to just come in and go out. not going to just come in and go out. We're going to be loving on each other. We're going to be loving on each other. We're going to be loving on each other. So, let's try it one more time. You need So, let's try it one more time. You need So, let's try it one more time. You need prayer, lift your hand high. If there's prayer, lift your hand high. If there's prayer, lift your hand high. If there's a hand lifted up near you, just just a hand lifted up near you, just just a hand lifted up near you, just just reach out near them. Just kind of reach out near them. Just kind of reach out near them. Just kind of appropriately, not weird, no weird, no appropriately, not weird, no weird, no appropriately, not weird, no weird, no weird, just appropriately just touch weird, just appropriately just touch weird, just appropriately just touch them right now. If you're with someone them right now. If you're with someone them right now. If you're with someone you know and trust, you can put your arm you know and trust, you can put your arm you know and trust, you can put your arm around them. Pray pray for them. Pray around them. Pray pray for them. Pray around them. Pray pray for them. Pray with with me. Pray for me, too, cuz I with with me. Pray for me, too, cuz I with with me. Pray for me, too, cuz I got my hand up. Just pray. Heavenly got my hand up. Just pray. Heavenly got my hand up. Just pray. Heavenly Father, we pray that your presence would Father, we pray that your presence would Father, we pray that your presence would reveal yourself to those who need you reveal yourself to those who need you reveal yourself to those who need you now, God. To those who need comfort, be now, God. To those who need comfort, be now, God. To those who need comfort, be their comforter. God, to those who need their comforter. God, to those who need their comforter. God, to those who need peace, be their peace. God, to those peace, be their peace. God, to those peace, be their peace. God, to those with anxiety, we cast our anxiety on you with anxiety, we cast our anxiety on you with anxiety, we cast our anxiety on you because you care for us. God, for those because you care for us. God, for those because you care for us. God, for those that need physical healing, we speak the that need physical healing, we speak the that need physical healing, we speak the name of the great physician, Jesus, the name of the great physician, Jesus, the name of the great physician, Jesus, the our healer, and believe that by the our healer, and believe that by the our healer, and believe that by the stripes of Jesus, we are healed. God, stripes of Jesus, we are healed. God, stripes of Jesus, we are healed. God, for those who need provision, you are for those who need provision, you are for those who need provision, you are Jehovah Gyra. God, you are our provider.

Jehovah Gyra. God, you are our provider. Jehovah Gyra. God, you are our provider. Meet their needs. God, for those who are Meet their needs. God, for those who are Meet their needs. God, for those who are alone, I pray that a hand on their alone, I pray that a hand on their alone, I pray that a hand on their shoulder right now would communicate shoulder right now would communicate shoulder right now would communicate your love and our love and show someone your love and our love and show someone your love and our love and show someone they are not alone. God, by the power of they are not alone. God, by the power of they are not alone. God, by the power of your Holy Spirit, you know every need your Holy Spirit, you know every need your Holy Spirit, you know every need here. Would you meet those needs, here. Would you meet those needs, here. Would you meet those needs, God, even though we may not see you on God, even though we may not see you on God, even though we may not see you on the page, we know you're present in our the page, we know you're present in our the page, we know you're present in our story. We look to you, oh God, and story. We look to you, oh God, and story. We look to you, oh God, and believe that you hear our prayers in the believe that you hear our prayers in the believe that you hear our prayers in the cries of our hearts and you'll move in cries of our hearts and you'll move in cries of our hearts and you'll move in the lives of every person we pray for the lives of every person we pray for the lives of every person we pray for today in Jesus name. Keep praying today. today in Jesus name. Keep praying today. today in Jesus name. Keep praying today. You can take your hands back and put You can take your hands back and put You can take your hands back and put them in your lap or wherever feels them in your lap or wherever feels them in your lap or wherever feels natural. Nobody looking around. And let natural. Nobody looking around. And let natural. Nobody looking around. And let me talk to one more group of people me talk to one more group of people me talk to one more group of people today. Just in in stay just stay in the today. Just in in stay just stay in the today. Just in in stay just stay in the attitude of prayer. For some of you, God attitude of prayer. For some of you, God attitude of prayer. For some of you, God has always felt distant. And I'm going has always felt distant. And I'm going has always felt distant. And I'm going to tell you why. It's because you don't to tell you why. It's because you don't to tell you why. It's because you don't know him yet. And I'm going to tell you know him yet. And I'm going to tell you know him yet. And I'm going to tell you again. God is drawing you. You're not again. God is drawing you. You're not again. God is drawing you. You're not here by accident. If you if you feel a here by accident. If you if you feel a here by accident. If you if you feel a pull toward him, a tug toward him, that pull toward him, a tug toward him, that pull toward him, a tug toward him, that is the Holy Spirit of God drawing you to is the Holy Spirit of God drawing you to is the Holy Spirit of God drawing you to him. He's patient. He wants you to know him. He's patient. He wants you to know him. He's patient. He wants you to know him as he knows and loves you. Let me him as he knows and loves you. Let me him as he knows and loves you. Let me tell you about how good he is. Scripture tell you about how good he is. Scripture tell you about how good he is. Scripture tells us, "For God so loved the world tells us, "For God so loved the world tells us, "For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only son, that he sent his one and only son, that he sent his one and only son, Jesus." Who is Jesus? He is the son of Jesus." Who is Jesus? He is the son of Jesus." Who is Jesus? He is the son of God who is without sin. Who died on a God who is without sin. Who died on a God who is without sin. Who died on a cross for the forgiveness of our sins.

cross for the forgiveness of our sins. cross for the forgiveness of our sins. When Jesus died, his disciples looked on When Jesus died, his disciples looked on When Jesus died, his disciples looked on and said, "Where's God?" And just and said, "Where's God?" And just and said, "Where's God?" And just because they didn't see it, didn't mean because they didn't see it, didn't mean because they didn't see it, didn't mean God wasn't working. Jesus was doing God wasn't working. Jesus was doing God wasn't working. Jesus was doing whatever he did for those three days, whatever he did for those three days, whatever he did for those three days, kicking the devil, taking names. On the kicking the devil, taking names. On the kicking the devil, taking names. On the third day, God raised him from the dead third day, God raised him from the dead third day, God raised him from the dead so that anyone, and this includes you, so that anyone, and this includes you, so that anyone, and this includes you, who calls on his name would be saved, who calls on his name would be saved, who calls on his name would be saved, forgiven, and made new. In the same way forgiven, and made new. In the same way forgiven, and made new. In the same way in college, I knelt down in a softball in college, I knelt down in a softball in college, I knelt down in a softball field and asked for forgiveness of sins field and asked for forgiveness of sins field and asked for forgiveness of sins and asked for Jesus to save me. He and asked for Jesus to save me. He and asked for Jesus to save me. He changed me. He made me new. There are changed me. He made me new. There are changed me. He made me new. There are those of you here today for this those of you here today for this those of you here today for this purpose. If you know you're not walking purpose. If you know you're not walking purpose. If you know you're not walking with God, if you're feeling drawn to with God, if you're feeling drawn to with God, if you're feeling drawn to him, if you're if you if you're so low him, if you're if you if you're so low him, if you're if you if you're so low that you may need to look up. You may that you may need to look up. You may that you may need to look up. You may not be there by accident, but by the not be there by accident, but by the not be there by accident, but by the providence of God who wants to reveal providence of God who wants to reveal providence of God who wants to reveal the goodness of his son to you. Today is the goodness of his son to you. Today is the goodness of his son to you. Today is the day of your salvation. At all of our the day of your salvation. At all of our the day of your salvation. At all of our churches, you say, "Yes, I need the churches, you say, "Yes, I need the churches, you say, "Yes, I need the grace of Jesus. I want him in my life. I grace of Jesus. I want him in my life. I grace of Jesus. I want him in my life. I want the forgiveness of my sins. We're want the forgiveness of my sins. We're want the forgiveness of my sins. We're stepping away from our sins. We're stepping away from our sins. We're stepping away from our sins. We're stepping into faith in Jesus. And we stepping into faith in Jesus. And we stepping into faith in Jesus. And we call on his name. He will hear your call on his name. He will hear your call on his name. He will hear your prayer. Forgive your sins. Today is the prayer. Forgive your sins. Today is the prayer. Forgive your sins. Today is the day of your salvation. That's you. I day of your salvation. That's you. I day of your salvation. That's you. I need grace. I need Jesus. I give my life need grace. I need Jesus. I give my life need grace. I need Jesus. I give my life to him. That's your prayer. Lift your to him. That's your prayer. Lift your to him. That's your prayer. Lift your hands high right now. All over the hands high right now. All over the hands high right now. All over the place. Lift them up. Lift them up. Lift place. Lift them up. Lift them up. Lift place. Lift them up. Lift them up. Lift them up. Right back there. God bless them up. Right back there. God bless them up. Right back there. God bless you. Others today say, "Me right here."

you. Others today say, "Me right here." you. Others today say, "Me right here." Others say, "Yes, Jesus, I surrender. Be Others say, "Yes, Jesus, I surrender. Be Others say, "Yes, Jesus, I surrender. Be the Lord of my life. I give my life to the Lord of my life. I give my life to the Lord of my life. I give my life to you." That's your prayer. Just lift up you." That's your prayer. Just lift up you." That's your prayer. Just lift up your hands and say, "Yes, I surrender." your hands and say, "Yes, I surrender." your hands and say, "Yes, I surrender." online. You can type uh praise God for online. You can type uh praise God for online. You can type uh praise God for you right there. Oh yes, yes, yes. you right there. Oh yes, yes, yes. you right there. Oh yes, yes, yes. Online, type in the comment sections, Online, type in the comment sections, Online, type in the comment sections, "I'm surrendering my life to Christ." "I'm surrendering my life to Christ." "I'm surrendering my life to Christ." Just type that in there. Pray with those Just type that in there. Pray with those Just type that in there. Pray with those around to pray. Heavenly Father, around to pray. Heavenly Father, around to pray. Heavenly Father, >> my life, >> my life, >> my life, >> I give you my life. >> I give you my life. >> I give you my life. >> Jesus, save me. >> Jesus, save me. >> Jesus, save me. >> Jesus, save me. >> Jesus, save me. >> Jesus, save me. >> Forgive all of my sins. >> Forgive all of my sins. >> Forgive all of my sins. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> So I could know you personally. >> So I could know you personally. >> So I could know you personally. >> And serve you daily. >> And serve you daily. >> And serve you daily. >> serve me daily. >> serve me daily. >> serve me daily. >> My life is not my own. >> My life is not my own. >> My life is not my own. I give it to you. Thank you for new I give it to you. Thank you for new I give it to you. Thank you for new life. You have all of mine. In Jesus life. You have all of mine. In Jesus life. You have all of mine. In Jesus name I pray. Church, can you give God name I pray. Church, can you give God name I pray. Church, can you give God some glory today? Come on. some glory today? Come on. some glory today? Come on. >> We can trust that God works through all >> We can trust that God works through all >> We can trust that God works through all of our circumstances, even when we of our circumstances, even when we of our circumstances, even when we struggle to hear from him or sense his struggle to hear from him or sense his struggle to hear from him or sense his presence. To learn more about finding a presence. To learn more about finding a presence. To learn more about finding a faith that always sustains you, just faith that always sustains you, just faith that always sustains you, just click here.