You’re Not as Forgotten as You Feel

Well, today as we look at the fourth Well, today as we look at the fourth week of the message series of Esther, I week of the message series of Esther, I week of the message series of Esther, I want to speak um specifically to those want to speak um specifically to those want to speak um specifically to those of you that are really trying hard to do of you that are really trying hard to do of you that are really trying hard to do the right thing and you're not sure that the right thing and you're not sure that the right thing and you're not sure that it really matters. We'll see that in it really matters. We'll see that in it really matters. We'll see that in this week's message. I'll tell you a this week's message. I'll tell you a this week's message. I'll tell you a story to introduce it. Um years ago, Amy story to introduce it. Um years ago, Amy story to introduce it. Um years ago, Amy was driving our six kids, all six kids, was driving our six kids, all six kids, was driving our six kids, all six kids, uh in our 1995 Ford Winstar minivan. uh in our 1995 Ford Winstar minivan. uh in our 1995 Ford Winstar minivan. If you make fun of minivans, you've If you make fun of minivans, you've If you make fun of minivans, you've never had six kids on a budget. They are never had six kids on a budget. They are never had six kids on a budget. They are a blessing from God. Push the button, a blessing from God. Push the button, a blessing from God. Push the button, the doors open, and all the kids get out the doors open, and all the kids get out the doors open, and all the kids get out or get in. Um, she was at a red light or get in. Um, she was at a red light or get in. Um, she was at a red light and there's a car in front of her. The and there's a car in front of her. The and there's a car in front of her. The light turned green, the car started, and light turned green, the car started, and light turned green, the car started, and so she started and then the car just so she started and then the car just so she started and then the car just stopped and she bumped the car. Maybe stopped and she bumped the car. Maybe stopped and she bumped the car. Maybe two miles an hour. Bumped the car. Guy two miles an hour. Bumped the car. Guy two miles an hour. Bumped the car. Guy got out. Ra called the police. Police got out. Ra called the police. Police got out. Ra called the police. Police came out and said, "Go home. No damage.

came out and said, "Go home. No damage. came out and said, "Go home. No damage. Nothing happened. It's over." Amy came Nothing happened. It's over." Amy came Nothing happened. It's over." Amy came home. She told me about it. This guy home. She told me about it. This guy home. She told me about it. This guy who's all upset. Our phone rang. This who's all upset. Our phone rang. This who's all upset. Our phone rang. This was back in the day of the phone book. was back in the day of the phone book. was back in the day of the phone book. He looked us up. He called and chewed me He looked us up. He called and chewed me He looked us up. He called and chewed me out. YOUR WIFE RAMMED into me, did all out. YOUR WIFE RAMMED into me, did all out. YOUR WIFE RAMMED into me, did all this damage. I'm like, "Sir, the police this damage. I'm like, "Sir, the police this damage. I'm like, "Sir, the police came. There's no damage." He said, came. There's no damage." He said, came. There's no damage." He said, "THERE'S DAMAGE. THERE'S DAMAGE. YOU OWE "THERE'S DAMAGE. THERE'S DAMAGE. YOU OWE "THERE'S DAMAGE. THERE'S DAMAGE. YOU OWE ME MONEY." And he I said, "We don't owe ME MONEY." And he I said, "We don't owe ME MONEY." And he I said, "We don't owe you money." Amy said, the police said. you money." Amy said, the police said. you money." Amy said, the police said. He said, 'If you don't give me money, He said, 'If you don't give me money, He said, 'If you don't give me money, I'm going to go to the news stations and I'm going to go to the news stations and I'm going to go to the news stations and I'm going TO TELL HIM ALL ABOUT HOW I'm going TO TELL HIM ALL ABOUT HOW I'm going TO TELL HIM ALL ABOUT HOW YOU'RE A FRAUD. YOU'RE A FRAUD. YOU'RE A FRAUD. SO, I prayed about it. God, what do you SO, I prayed about it. God, what do you SO, I prayed about it. God, what do you have me do? I sought God. I called him have me do? I sought God. I called him have me do? I sought God. I called him back. I said, "Bring it on." I didn't say that. I wanted to say that. I didn't say that. I wanted to say that. You have no idea how many times I want You have no idea how many times I want You have no idea how many times I want to be normal. [clears throat] to be normal. [clears throat] to be normal. [clears throat] Pastor Craig called him back and so like Pastor Craig called him back and so like Pastor Craig called him back and so like I'm going to send you something and sent I'm going to send you something and sent I'm going to send you something and sent him a check him a check him a check and I felt like I was did not even the and I felt like I was did not even the and I felt like I was did not even the right thing, more than the right thing.

right thing, more than the right thing. right thing, more than the right thing. Sent it and then Sent it and then Sent it and then nothing. nothing. nothing. Nothing. I tried to do the right thing Nothing. I tried to do the right thing Nothing. I tried to do the right thing and it felt like it didn't matter at and it felt like it didn't matter at and it felt like it didn't matter at all. Some of you today, you're working all. Some of you today, you're working all. Some of you today, you're working really hard. You're trying to honor God. really hard. You're trying to honor God. really hard. You're trying to honor God. You're serving faithfully. You're You're serving faithfully. You're You're serving faithfully. You're seeking God. You're praying. You're seeking God. You're praying. You're seeking God. You're praying. You're trying to restore a marriage. You're trying to restore a marriage. You're trying to restore a marriage. You're trying to get ahead. You're trying to be trying to get ahead. You're trying to be trying to get ahead. You're trying to be generous. You're trying to help your generous. You're trying to help your generous. You're trying to help your kids. And you've been faithful so long. kids. And you've been faithful so long. kids. And you've been faithful so long. And you're wondering, "Does God even see And you're wondering, "Does God even see And you're wondering, "Does God even see this? Does my faithfulness and hard work this? Does my faithfulness and hard work this? Does my faithfulness and hard work even matter? Does he even notice?" We're even matter? Does he even notice?" We're even matter? Does he even notice?" We're going to see that this week in the book going to see that this week in the book going to see that this week in the book of Esther. Um the fourth week in, we're of Esther. Um the fourth week in, we're of Esther. Um the fourth week in, we're going to see Morortei is exactly in that going to see Morortei is exactly in that going to see Morortei is exactly in that place. Now, if you're just joining us, place. Now, if you're just joining us, place. Now, if you're just joining us, you're going to say, "Who is Morortei?" you're going to say, "Who is Morortei?" you're going to say, "Who is Morortei?" Well, let's review. We're going to look Well, let's review. We're going to look Well, let's review. We're going to look at the five main characters. And for at the five main characters. And for at the five main characters. And for those of you that are tired of the those of you that are tired of the those of you that are tired of the review and say, "I've got it memorized." review and say, "I've got it memorized." review and say, "I've got it memorized." Congratulations. That means you've been Congratulations. That means you've been Congratulations. That means you've been at church. at church. at church. This is for everybody else who has not This is for everybody else who has not This is for everybody else who has not been here. And so, we're going to catch been here. And so, we're going to catch been here. And so, we're going to catch them up on the story. Uh, we saw in the them up on the story. Uh, we saw in the them up on the story. Uh, we saw in the first week that there is a king, King first week that there is a king, King first week that there is a king, King Xerxes, who was good at throwing big Xerxes, who was good at throwing big Xerxes, who was good at throwing big parties and liked to drink a lot. He was parties and liked to drink a lot. He was parties and liked to drink a lot. He was drunk at a party, called for his wife, drunk at a party, called for his wife, drunk at a party, called for his wife, Queen Vast, and said, "Hey, come in Queen Vast, and said, "Hey, come in Queen Vast, and said, "Hey, come in here. I want to show you off cuz you're here. I want to show you off cuz you're here. I want to show you off cuz you're beautiful, hot, and I want everybody to beautiful, hot, and I want everybody to beautiful, hot, and I want everybody to see you." And she said, "I'm tired of see you." And she said, "I'm tired of see you." And she said, "I'm tired of being objectified. him not coming in. He being objectified. him not coming in. He being objectified. him not coming in. He [clears throat] got his feelings hurt.

[clears throat] got his feelings hurt. [clears throat] got his feelings hurt. He banished her and suddenly the queen's He banished her and suddenly the queen's He banished her and suddenly the queen's throne is now open. Then we met Esther. throne is now open. Then we met Esther. throne is now open. Then we met Esther. Remember Esther? The book is called Remember Esther? The book is called Remember Esther? The book is called Esther. She was a Jewish orphan girl Esther. She was a Jewish orphan girl Esther. She was a Jewish orphan girl raised by her cousin Mori. She's taken raised by her cousin Mori. She's taken raised by her cousin Mori. She's taken against her will. Goes through this against her will. Goes through this against her will. Goes through this one-year beauty training and is chosen one-year beauty training and is chosen one-year beauty training and is chosen then to be the queen of Persia as a then to be the queen of Persia as a then to be the queen of Persia as a Jewish girl. Has to keep her identity Jewish girl. Has to keep her identity Jewish girl. Has to keep her identity quiet. Mori, her cousin, who's a good quiet. Mori, her cousin, who's a good quiet. Mori, her cousin, who's a good man, HEARS A PLOT of people trying to man, HEARS A PLOT of people trying to man, HEARS A PLOT of people trying to kill the king. She tells Esther, saves kill the king. She tells Esther, saves kill the king. She tells Esther, saves the king's life, does the right thing, the king's life, does the right thing, the king's life, does the right thing, is written down, and then is written down, and then is written down, and then nothing. nothing. nothing. Sound familiar? [clears throat] Sound familiar? [clears throat] Sound familiar? [clears throat] We're going to discover this week the We're going to discover this week the We're going to discover this week the principle that what's unnoticed by principle that what's unnoticed by principle that what's unnoticed by people is never forgotten by God. people is never forgotten by God. people is never forgotten by God. Morai does the right thing. Nobody Morai does the right thing. Nobody Morai does the right thing. Nobody notices, but God does. And then, if notices, but God does. And then, if notices, but God does. And then, if you've been with us, the music changes. you've been with us, the music changes. you've been with us, the music changes. It gets scary. This is the part of the It gets scary. This is the part of the It gets scary. This is the part of the movie where the bad guy shows up. Hmon, movie where the bad guy shows up. Hmon, movie where the bad guy shows up. Hmon, the bad guy, shows up. Hmon convinces the bad guy, shows up. Hmon convinces the bad guy, shows up. Hmon convinces the king that all the Jewish people are the king that all the Jewish people are the king that all the Jewish people are evil and convinces the king, you got to evil and convinces the king, you got to evil and convinces the king, you got to kill and destroy all the Jewish people.

kill and destroy all the Jewish people. kill and destroy all the Jewish people. Mori tells Esther, "You got to talk to Mori tells Esther, "You got to talk to Mori tells Esther, "You got to talk to the king. You You got to tell him not to the king. You You got to tell him not to the king. You You got to tell him not to do this." Esther's in a really do this." Esther's in a really do this." Esther's in a really complicated place. She's Jewish. The complicated place. She's Jewish. The complicated place. She's Jewish. The king doesn't know that she's Jewish and king doesn't know that she's Jewish and king doesn't know that she's Jewish and he's going to kill all the Jewish he's going to kill all the Jewish he's going to kill all the Jewish people. Her people are about to be people. Her people are about to be people. Her people are about to be killed, including her. And she's not killed, including her. And she's not killed, including her. And she's not allowed to approach the king, unless the allowed to approach the king, unless the allowed to approach the king, unless the king invites her if she comes in king invites her if she comes in king invites her if she comes in uninvited, unsummoned. The king can kill uninvited, unsummoned. The king can kill uninvited, unsummoned. The king can kill her unless he extends the royal scepter her unless he extends the royal scepter her unless he extends the royal scepter and then she gets to live. Morai tells and then she gets to live. Morai tells and then she gets to live. Morai tells her the famous line. Say it with me if her the famous line. Say it with me if her the famous line. Say it with me if you know it. Maybe Esther, you were born you know it. Maybe Esther, you were born you know it. Maybe Esther, you were born For such a time as this, she realizes For such a time as this, she realizes For such a time as this, she realizes she has to do something. She calls her she has to do something. She calls her she has to do something. She calls her people and says, "Will you pray?" And people and says, "Will you pray?" And people and says, "Will you pray?" And that's where we are today. She now takes that's where we are today. She now takes that's where we are today. She now takes a step of faith. We see it in Esther a step of faith. We see it in Esther a step of faith. We see it in Esther 5:1. 5:1. 5:1. On the third day, Esther put on her On the third day, Esther put on her On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court royal robes and stood in the inner court royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace in front of the king's of the palace in front of the king's of the palace in front of the king's hall. So, she's getting dressed up like hall. So, she's getting dressed up like hall. So, she's getting dressed up like the queen. She's going to go approach the queen. She's going to go approach the queen. She's going to go approach him. If he [clears throat] wants to, he him. If he [clears throat] wants to, he him. If he [clears throat] wants to, he can kill her or he can extend the can kill her or he can extend the can kill her or he can extend the scepter. The king was sitting on his scepter. The king was sitting on his scepter. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall facing the royal throne in the hall facing the royal throne in the hall facing the entrance when he saw Queen Esther entrance when he saw Queen Esther entrance when he saw Queen Esther standing in the court. Here it is.

standing in the court. Here it is. standing in the court. Here it is. What's going to happen? When he saw it, What's going to happen? When he saw it, What's going to happen? When he saw it, what did he do? Did he kill her? what did he do? Did he kill her? what did he do? Did he kill her? >> Three of you know the story. No, he did >> Three of you know the story. No, he did >> Three of you know the story. No, he did not kill her. The Bible says he was not kill her. The Bible says he was not kill her. The Bible says he was pleased with her and held out to her the pleased with her and held out to her the pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. And gold scepter that was in his hand. And gold scepter that was in his hand. And the king asked, "What is it, Queen the king asked, "What is it, Queen the king asked, "What is it, Queen Esther? Great news. Not only is he not Esther? Great news. Not only is he not Esther? Great news. Not only is he not going to kill her, but he's actually in going to kill her, but he's actually in going to kill her, but he's actually in a really good mood. He's glad to see a really good mood. He's glad to see a really good mood. He's glad to see her. And he's going to say,"What is it her. And he's going to say,"What is it her. And he's going to say,"What is it you want, honey? I'll give you you want, honey? I'll give you you want, honey? I'll give you anything." He, "What?" That's my anything." He, "What?" That's my anything." He, "What?" That's my translation. He didn't say, "Honey, but translation. He didn't say, "Honey, but translation. He didn't say, "Honey, but whatever." He called her, "Sweetie pie, whatever." He called her, "Sweetie pie, whatever." He called her, "Sweetie pie, Queenie." Queenie, what do you want? He Queenie." Queenie, what do you want? He Queenie." Queenie, what do you want? He said [laughter] to her, "What is it, said [laughter] to her, "What is it, said [laughter] to her, "What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even Queen Esther? What is your request? Even Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given up to half the kingdom, it will be given up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you." to you." to you." She gets to live. He's in a good mood. She gets to live. He's in a good mood. She gets to live. He's in a good mood. SHE TOOK THE STEP OF FAITH AND GOD SHE TOOK THE STEP OF FAITH AND GOD SHE TOOK THE STEP OF FAITH AND GOD prepared his heart. It seems like the prepared his heart. It seems like the prepared his heart. It seems like the perfect time to ask the king to save the perfect time to ask the king to save the perfect time to ask the king to save the Jewish people. But instead, she invites Jewish people. But instead, she invites Jewish people. But instead, she invites the king and Hmon, the bad guy, to a the king and Hmon, the bad guy, to a the king and Hmon, the bad guy, to a banquet instead.

banquet instead. banquet instead. And then later, she invites them to And then later, she invites them to And then later, she invites them to another banquet. another banquet. another banquet. She waits. And we're not sure why. She waits. And we're not sure why. She waits. And we're not sure why. Theologians have their um their guesses Theologians have their um their guesses Theologians have their um their guesses like maybe she was being prayerful, like maybe she was being prayerful, like maybe she was being prayerful, maybe she was afraid, maybe she was maybe she was afraid, maybe she was maybe she was afraid, maybe she was waiting. Whatever it is, what we know is waiting. Whatever it is, what we know is waiting. Whatever it is, what we know is this. We know that in the waiting, God this. We know that in the waiting, God this. We know that in the waiting, God was working. God was working in the was working. God was working in the was working. God was working in the waiting. And the whole time this is waiting. And the whole time this is waiting. And the whole time this is going on, the bad guy Hmon, he's going on, the bad guy Hmon, he's going on, the bad guy Hmon, he's planning to execute Mori. And Mori is planning to execute Mori. And Mori is planning to execute Mori. And Mori is worried about his people. worried about his people. worried about his people. And neither one of them sees And neither one of them sees And neither one of them sees what God already set in motion. what God already set in motion. what God already set in motion. Are you with me? If you're with me, say Are you with me? If you're with me, say Are you with me? If you're with me, say I'm with you. Are you with me? I'm with you. Are you with me? I'm with you. Are you with me? >> Esther 6:1 tells us this. >> Esther 6:1 tells us this. >> Esther 6:1 tells us this. That night, That night, That night, the king could not sleep. There it is. I'm going to say it like There it is. I'm going to say it like this. I used to do magic tricks. You this. I used to do magic tricks. You this. I used to do magic tricks. You know that I used to be a magician. 12 know that I used to be a magician. 12 know that I used to be a magician. 12 years old. I used to be a professional years old. I used to be a professional years old. I used to be a professional magician. 25 bucks for a party. I could magician. 25 bucks for a party. I could magician. 25 bucks for a party. I could make a rabbit come out of a hat. And make a rabbit come out of a hat. And make a rabbit come out of a hat. And sometimes I would do this. So I'm going sometimes I would do this. So I'm going sometimes I would do this. So I'm going to try this.

to try this. to try this. Was the verse still up there? Make sure Was the verse still up there? Make sure Was the verse still up there? Make sure it's okay. Give me the wide shot. That it's okay. Give me the wide shot. That it's okay. Give me the wide shot. That night night night the king could not sleep. the king could not sleep. the king could not sleep. Okay. Okay. Okay. Ah, Ah, Ah, you guys are fine. you guys are fine. you guys are fine. There it is. There it is. There it is. The king couldn't sleep. The king couldn't sleep. The king couldn't sleep. There's the hinge. There's the hinge. There's the hinge. The king had a bad night The king had a bad night The king had a bad night and God had a plan. and God had a plan. and God had a plan. The king could not sleep. Look at the The king could not sleep. Look at the The king could not sleep. Look at the rest of verse. That night, the king rest of verse. That night, the king rest of verse. That night, the king could not sleep. So, he ordered the book could not sleep. So, he ordered the book could not sleep. So, he ordered the book of Chronicles. These are like the legal of Chronicles. These are like the legal of Chronicles. These are like the legal records. This is a government record records. This is a government record records. This is a government record book. I can't sleep. Somebody get me the book. I can't sleep. Somebody get me the book. I can't sleep. Somebody get me the government record book. government record book. government record book. and read that to me. So he ordered the and read that to me. So he ordered the and read that to me. So he ordered the book of Chronicles, the record of his book of Chronicles, the record of his book of Chronicles, the record of his reign to be brought in and read to him. reign to be brought in and read to him. reign to be brought in and read to him. The king could not sleep. So he asked The king could not sleep. So he asked The king could not sleep. So he asked for the government record books to be for the government record books to be for the government record books to be read to him. Now the phrase, this is so read to him. Now the phrase, this is so read to him. Now the phrase, this is so important, could not sleep in the Hebrew important, could not sleep in the Hebrew important, could not sleep in the Hebrew language, it literally means to make language, it literally means to make language, it literally means to make sleep flee. It's like making a fugitive sleep flee. It's like making a fugitive sleep flee. It's like making a fugitive flee or an animal flee. is that's the flee or an animal flee. is that's the flee or an animal flee. is that's the word in the Hebrew. It wasn't that he word in the Hebrew. It wasn't that he word in the Hebrew. It wasn't that he just couldn't sleep. But what I want you just couldn't sleep. But what I want you just couldn't sleep. But what I want you to see is that God didn't let him sleep.

to see is that God didn't let him sleep. to see is that God didn't let him sleep. The king The king The king couldn't sleep couldn't sleep couldn't sleep because God had a plan. because God had a plan. because God had a plan. Sometimes in the most ordinary things Sometimes in the most ordinary things Sometimes in the most ordinary things and even the things that seem like and even the things that seem like and even the things that seem like interruptions or inconveniences, God is interruptions or inconveniences, God is interruptions or inconveniences, God is working in the middle of those. The king working in the middle of those. The king working in the middle of those. The king couldn't sleep. God made sleep flee. couldn't sleep. God made sleep flee. couldn't sleep. God made sleep flee. It's crazy. And I debated on whether or It's crazy. And I debated on whether or It's crazy. And I debated on whether or not to tell you this, but the night not to tell you this, but the night not to tell you this, but the night before I started working on Esther before I started working on Esther before I started working on Esther chapter 3, chapter 3, chapter 3, I couldn't sleep. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't sleep. 2 in the morning, I'm wide awake. It was 2 in the morning, I'm wide awake. It was 2 in the morning, I'm wide awake. It was like sleep was fleeing and I could not like sleep was fleeing and I could not like sleep was fleeing and I could not sleep. And so I started praying and I sleep. And so I started praying and I sleep. And so I started praying and I was praying for you all. And I don't was praying for you all. And I don't was praying for you all. And I don't want to overstate this, but when I tell want to overstate this, but when I tell want to overstate this, but when I tell you that I had this very unusual burden, you that I had this very unusual burden, you that I had this very unusual burden, it was like a heavy weight. And it's it was like a heavy weight. And it's it was like a heavy weight. And it's just it's I mean, just it's I mean, just it's I mean, I don't I don't I don't even know how to I don't I don't I don't even know how to I don't I don't I don't even know how to get close to expressing it. But get close to expressing it. But get close to expressing it. But just because there's a lot of you just because there's a lot of you just because there's a lot of you doesn't mean I don't care for every doesn't mean I don't care for every doesn't mean I don't care for every single one of you. I mean, it's like it single one of you. I mean, it's like it single one of you. I mean, it's like it is it is so such a such a heavy burden is it is so such a such a heavy burden is it is so such a such a heavy burden in my heart and there is so much pain.

in my heart and there is so much pain. in my heart and there is so much pain. There's so much spiritual opposition and There's so much spiritual opposition and There's so much spiritual opposition and I just like labor in prayer. God, help I just like labor in prayer. God, help I just like labor in prayer. God, help me. Help them know you and walk in the me. Help them know you and walk in the me. Help them know you and walk in the victory that you have for them over and victory that you have for them over and victory that you have for them over and over again. I pray it, I preach it, I over again. I pray it, I preach it, I over again. I pray it, I preach it, I try and just hard I mean I look into try and just hard I mean I look into try and just hard I mean I look into your eyes and I can like I see the pain your eyes and I can like I see the pain your eyes and I can like I see the pain and I can feel it. And so I'm up there and I can feel it. And so I'm up there and I can feel it. And so I'm up there like in just praying, "God, help me. like in just praying, "God, help me. like in just praying, "God, help me. Give me something." And I just had this Give me something." And I just had this Give me something." And I just had this vision. And how many times you heard me vision. And how many times you heard me vision. And how many times you heard me say, "I have a vision." Like never. I say, "I have a vision." Like never. I say, "I have a vision." Like never. I had this vision of standing before the had this vision of standing before the had this vision of standing before the church saying, "Everyone takes a next church saying, "Everyone takes a next church saying, "Everyone takes a next step. Everyone takes a next step." Next step. Everyone takes a next step." Next step. Everyone takes a next step." Next morning, I went in, I pulled up my morning, I went in, I pulled up my morning, I went in, I pulled up my notes. Now, backstory is I write every notes. Now, backstory is I write every notes. Now, backstory is I write every outline for every series before we ever outline for every series before we ever outline for every series before we ever start. I outlined this back at the end start. I outlined this back at the end start. I outlined this back at the end of May and the 1 of June. The reason I of May and the 1 of June. The reason I of May and the 1 of June. The reason I do it, and I don't want to bore you, but do it, and I don't want to bore you, but do it, and I don't want to bore you, but because I got to dig it all out, make because I got to dig it all out, make because I got to dig it all out, make sure it works. Is it all there? Is it am sure it works. Is it all there? Is it am sure it works. Is it all there? Is it am I am I pleased with it? So, I hadn't I am I pleased with it? So, I hadn't I am I pleased with it? So, I hadn't pulled this up since maybe the first pulled this up since maybe the first pulled this up since maybe the first week of June. I pulled my notes up the week of June. I pulled my notes up the week of June. I pulled my notes up the morning after I couldn't sleep and I morning after I couldn't sleep and I morning after I couldn't sleep and I looked at my note. You're looking for looked at my note. You're looking for looked at my note. You're looking for details. God's looking for trust. Take details. God's looking for trust. Take details. God's looking for trust. Take the next step.

the next step. the next step. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. And this was so personal to me. And so, And this was so personal to me. And so, And this was so personal to me. And so, last week, I invited you all just to last week, I invited you all just to last week, I invited you all just to take a next step. And here's what's take a next step. And here's what's take a next step. And here's what's crazy is that 24,000 of you said, "God's crazy is that 24,000 of you said, "God's crazy is that 24,000 of you said, "God's showing you what to do next." You took a showing you what to do next." You took a showing you what to do next." You took a step of faith, told us about it, and step of faith, told us about it, and step of faith, told us about it, and then our pastoral teams made 24,000 then our pastoral teams made 24,000 then our pastoral teams made 24,000 personal connections. And I tell you all personal connections. And I tell you all personal connections. And I tell you all that to say, number one is I want you to that to say, number one is I want you to that to say, number one is I want you to know and feel like I care. More know and feel like I care. More know and feel like I care. More importantly, God cares. And for me, God importantly, God cares. And for me, God importantly, God cares. And for me, God made sleep flee. for me to experience made sleep flee. for me to experience made sleep flee. for me to experience something I wouldn't have experienced something I wouldn't have experienced something I wouldn't have experienced otherwise to maybe help you experience otherwise to maybe help you experience otherwise to maybe help you experience something you wouldn't experience something you wouldn't experience something you wouldn't experience otherwise as well. It might be for you a otherwise as well. It might be for you a otherwise as well. It might be for you a restless night. It might be a delay. It restless night. It might be a delay. It restless night. It might be a delay. It might be an interruption. It might be a might be an interruption. It might be a might be an interruption. It might be a door closes and you don't know why it door closes and you don't know why it door closes and you don't know why it closed. And what looks ordinary to you closed. And what looks ordinary to you closed. And what looks ordinary to you may be something that God is setting in may be something that God is setting in may be something that God is setting in motion. God made sleep flee. And it's motion. God made sleep flee. And it's motion. God made sleep flee. And it's 2:00 a.m. and the king can't sleep.

2:00 a.m. and the king can't sleep. 2:00 a.m. and the king can't sleep. He's got no Netflix. He's got no Netflix. He's got no Netflix. He's got no phone to doom scroll. So he He's got no phone to doom scroll. So he He's got no phone to doom scroll. So he asked his assistant, "Bring me the asked his assistant, "Bring me the asked his assistant, "Bring me the government record book." government record book." government record book." out of everything he could have asked out of everything he could have asked out of everything he could have asked for, out of everything they could have for, out of everything they could have for, out of everything they could have read him, he asked for the record of his read him, he asked for the record of his read him, he asked for the record of his reign. And here's where the king reign. And here's where the king reign. And here's where the king discovered. Esther 6:2 tells us this. In discovered. Esther 6:2 tells us this. In discovered. Esther 6:2 tells us this. In those records, he discovered an account those records, he discovered an account those records, he discovered an account of how Mori had exposed the plot to of how Mori had exposed the plot to of how Mori had exposed the plot to assassinate King Xerxes. He hears the assassinate King Xerxes. He hears the assassinate King Xerxes. He hears the account account account of how Mori of how Mori of how Mori reported the plot. Remember chapter 2, reported the plot. Remember chapter 2, reported the plot. Remember chapter 2, Morortei heard about the rumor to kill Morortei heard about the rumor to kill Morortei heard about the rumor to kill the king and he reported it and saved the king and he reported it and saved the king and he reported it and saved the king and nothing happened. Not a the king and nothing happened. Not a the king and nothing happened. Not a thing. Think about this. You find thing. Think about this. You find thing. Think about this. You find someone's wallet, they might give you 20 someone's wallet, they might give you 20 someone's wallet, they might give you 20 bucks. You help someone do something, bucks. You help someone do something, bucks. You help someone do something, they they might send you a thank you they they might send you a thank you they they might send you a thank you note. He saved the king's life. No note, note. He saved the king's life. No note, note. He saved the king's life. No note, no gift card to Chick-fil-A, nothing no gift card to Chick-fil-A, nothing no gift card to Chick-fil-A, nothing at all. It appeared completely forgotten at all. It appeared completely forgotten at all. It appeared completely forgotten and unnoticed until and unnoticed until and unnoticed until sleep fled, sleep fled, sleep fled, until the king couldn't sleep. Until until the king couldn't sleep. Until until the king couldn't sleep. Until someone someone someone read the right words on the right night read the right words on the right night read the right words on the right night at the right moment to the right king.

at the right moment to the right king. at the right moment to the right king. And the king asked the question, "What And the king asked the question, "What And the king asked the question, "What did we do for this guy?" He asked him did we do for this guy?" He asked him did we do for this guy?" He asked him this. He said, "What honor and this. He said, "What honor and this. He said, "What honor and recognition has Mori received for this? recognition has Mori received for this? recognition has Mori received for this? He saved my life, the king. WHAT DID WE He saved my life, the king. WHAT DID WE He saved my life, the king. WHAT DID WE DO FOR HIM?" AND the attendant said, DO FOR HIM?" AND the attendant said, DO FOR HIM?" AND the attendant said, "Nothing has been done for him." THE "Nothing has been done for him." THE "Nothing has been done for him." THE KING SHOCKED. THIS GUY SAVED MY LIFE and KING SHOCKED. THIS GUY SAVED MY LIFE and KING SHOCKED. THIS GUY SAVED MY LIFE and we didn't do a parade for him and we we didn't do a parade for him and we we didn't do a parade for him and we didn't give him an award. He he didn't didn't give him an award. He he didn't didn't give him an award. He he didn't get some kind of tra he didn't get a get some kind of tra he didn't get a get some kind of tra he didn't get a financial award. He he didn't get financial award. He he didn't get financial award. He he didn't get anything. He did the right thing and it anything. He did the right thing and it anything. He did the right thing and it went unnoticed and seemed forgotten. went unnoticed and seemed forgotten. went unnoticed and seemed forgotten. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] And that's why I want to speak to those And that's why I want to speak to those And that's why I want to speak to those of you today that you're doing the right of you today that you're doing the right of you today that you're doing the right thing and it seems like nobody notices. thing and it seems like nobody notices. thing and it seems like nobody notices. Whenever you're faithful, whenever Whenever you're faithful, whenever Whenever you're faithful, whenever you're seeking God, when you're doing you're seeking God, when you're doing you're seeking God, when you're doing what he put on your heart and no one what he put on your heart and no one what he put on your heart and no one seems to notice, what's unnoticed by seems to notice, what's unnoticed by seems to notice, what's unnoticed by people people people is never forgotten by God. is never forgotten by God. is never forgotten by God. what's unnoticed by them is always what's unnoticed by them is always what's unnoticed by them is always recognized in heaven. And the king recognized in heaven. And the king recognized in heaven. And the king realizes, realizes, realizes, we got to do something for this guy. We we got to do something for this guy. We we got to do something for this guy. We need to honor Mori, the guy that saved need to honor Mori, the guy that saved need to honor Mori, the guy that saved my life. Well, the next day, the bad my life. Well, the next day, the bad my life. Well, the next day, the bad guy, Hmon, comes in and says, "Oh, I guy, Hmon, comes in and says, "Oh, I guy, Hmon, comes in and says, "Oh, I want to kill Morortei. Can I have want to kill Morortei. Can I have want to kill Morortei. Can I have permission to hang this rebellious permission to hang this rebellious permission to hang this rebellious Jewish man on a pole, a 75 foot pole?"

Jewish man on a pole, a 75 foot pole?" Jewish man on a pole, a 75 foot pole?" And the king says, "Hmon, what do you And the king says, "Hmon, what do you And the king says, "Hmon, what do you think should be done for the man that think should be done for the man that think should be done for the man that the king wants to honor? I want to honor the king wants to honor? I want to honor the king wants to honor? I want to honor somebody. What should be done for him?" somebody. What should be done for him?" somebody. What should be done for him?" Now, raise your hand if you remember the Now, raise your hand if you remember the Now, raise your hand if you remember the old Carly Simon song. You're so vain. old Carly Simon song. You're so vain. old Carly Simon song. You're so vain. Say it with me. You probably think this Say it with me. You probably think this Say it with me. You probably think this song is about you. That's Hmon. what song is about you. That's Hmon. what song is about you. That's Hmon. what should be done for the man who honored should be done for the man who honored should be done for the man who honored to honor this man? And Hmon thinks to honor this man? And Hmon thinks to honor this man? And Hmon thinks that's me. I'm going to get honored. The that's me. I'm going to get honored. The that's me. I'm going to get honored. The king is going to throw a party for me. king is going to throw a party for me. king is going to throw a party for me. And so Hmon says, "Here's what we should And so Hmon says, "Here's what we should And so Hmon says, "Here's what we should do. I'm going to plan my own party and do. I'm going to plan my own party and do. I'm going to plan my own party and we should get this fancy robe and I want we should get this fancy robe and I want we should get this fancy robe and I want you to get this horse and parade me on you to get this horse and parade me on you to get this horse and parade me on this horse. It's going to be amazing this horse. It's going to be amazing this horse. It's going to be amazing when we come and play the rocky theme when we come and play the rocky theme when we come and play the rocky theme music and I'm going to come riding in on music and I'm going to come riding in on music and I'm going to come riding in on the horse and everybody's going to clap the horse and everybody's going to clap the horse and everybody's going to clap for me. It's going to be amazing." And for me. It's going to be amazing." And for me. It's going to be amazing." And the king says, "Perfect." the king says, "Perfect." the king says, "Perfect." Heymon, YOU DO EXACTLY that Heymon, YOU DO EXACTLY that Heymon, YOU DO EXACTLY that for Mori.

Esther 6:11 tells us this. So Hmon got Esther 6:11 tells us this. So Hmon got the robe and the horse. He robbed Mori, the robe and the horse. He robbed Mori, the robe and the horse. He robbed Mori, the guy that he was trying to kill. He the guy that he was trying to kill. He the guy that he was trying to kill. He robbed Mori and led him on horseback robbed Mori and led him on horseback robbed Mori and led him on horseback through the city streets proclaiming through the city streets proclaiming through the city streets proclaiming before him. This is what's done for the before him. This is what's done for the before him. This is what's done for the man the king delight to honor. man the king delight to honor. man the king delight to honor. Do you see the irony? Hmon, the bad guy, Do you see the irony? Hmon, the bad guy, Do you see the irony? Hmon, the bad guy, the man who thought the song was about the man who thought the song was about the man who thought the song was about him, the guy who planned to kill Mori is him, the guy who planned to kill Mori is him, the guy who planned to kill Mori is now leading Mori through the streets in now leading Mori through the streets in now leading Mori through the streets in honor. Listen, God didn't just stop the honor. Listen, God didn't just stop the honor. Listen, God didn't just stop the attack. attack. attack. He took what the enemy meant for evil He took what the enemy meant for evil He took what the enemy meant for evil and oh, he turned it for good. He took and oh, he turned it for good. He took and oh, he turned it for good. He took what the enemy meant for evil and used what the enemy meant for evil and used what the enemy meant for evil and used the most ordinary things the most ordinary things the most ordinary things to turn it for good. And the good news to turn it for good. And the good news to turn it for good. And the good news is most of you are not facing death on a is most of you are not facing death on a is most of you are not facing death on a pole. You can say amen right there if pole. You can say amen right there if pole. You can say amen right there if you want to. If you think it's bad, you want to. If you think it's bad, you want to. If you think it's bad, you're not going to face a 75 ft pole.

you're not going to face a 75 ft pole. you're not going to face a 75 ft pole. You don't want to die that way. Most of You don't want to die that way. Most of You don't want to die that way. Most of you are not facing that. But the reality you are not facing that. But the reality you are not facing that. But the reality is some of you are facing something. is some of you are facing something. is some of you are facing something. You're looking at something that's been You're looking at something that's been You're looking at something that's been moving in the direct in the wrong moving in the direct in the wrong moving in the direct in the wrong direction for a long period of time. And direction for a long period of time. And direction for a long period of time. And it is because you have a spiritual enemy it is because you have a spiritual enemy it is because you have a spiritual enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy everything that matters to the heart of everything that matters to the heart of everything that matters to the heart of God. And when you're doing the work in God. And when you're doing the work in God. And when you're doing the work in the will of God, your spiritual enemy the will of God, your spiritual enemy the will of God, your spiritual enemy comes against you to try to take away comes against you to try to take away comes against you to try to take away any faith in God. any faith in God. any faith in God. And the devil has a plan. And the devil has a plan. And the devil has a plan. The devil is planning to attack you. The The devil is planning to attack you. The The devil is planning to attack you. The enemy has a plan, but God has a better enemy has a plan, but God has a better enemy has a plan, but God has a better one. one. one. >> And the enemy may try to keep you >> And the enemy may try to keep you >> And the enemy may try to keep you trapped. Maybe it's in a private trapped. Maybe it's in a private trapped. Maybe it's in a private addiction. And God can take that private addiction. And God can take that private addiction. And God can take that private addiction and turn that trial into a addiction and turn that trial into a addiction and turn that trial into a testimony. And you can declare that by testimony. And you can declare that by testimony. And you can declare that by the power and the stripes of Jesus, you the power and the stripes of Jesus, you the power and the stripes of Jesus, you have overcome that which held you have overcome that which held you have overcome that which held you hostage in bondage for years and years. hostage in bondage for years and years. hostage in bondage for years and years. The enemy may tell you to give up and The enemy may tell you to give up and The enemy may tell you to give up and stop praying and stop believing. And I'm stop praying and stop believing. And I'm stop praying and stop believing. And I'm going to tell you right now, the miracle going to tell you right now, the miracle going to tell you right now, the miracle from God, the answer from God may be from God, the answer from God may be from God, the answer from God may be closer than you realize.

closer than you realize. closer than you realize. The second banquet comes up and Esther The second banquet comes up and Esther The second banquet comes up and Esther finally makes her move. Verse three of finally makes her move. Verse three of finally makes her move. Verse three of chapter 7, we read this. She says to the chapter 7, we read this. She says to the chapter 7, we read this. She says to the king, "King, if you found if I found king, "King, if you found if I found king, "King, if you found if I found favor with you, your majesty. And if it favor with you, your majesty. And if it favor with you, your majesty. And if it pleases you, grant me my life. This is pleases you, grant me my life. This is pleases you, grant me my life. This is my petition. And spare my people. This my petition. And spare my people. This my petition. And spare my people. This is my request." And there it is. She is my request." And there it is. She is my request." And there it is. She takes the risk. She finally says it. I'm takes the risk. She finally says it. I'm takes the risk. She finally says it. I'm Jewish, too. You're planning on killing Jewish, too. You're planning on killing Jewish, too. You're planning on killing all the Jewish people. If you do that, all the Jewish people. If you do that, all the Jewish people. If you do that, you're killing me. And then she helps you're killing me. And then she helps you're killing me. And then she helps the king recognize, Hmon, he's been the king recognize, Hmon, he's been the king recognize, Hmon, he's been playing you the whole time. He's the man playing you the whole time. He's the man playing you the whole time. He's the man behind all of this. And at that moment, behind all of this. And at that moment, behind all of this. And at that moment, the king sees it all. Hmon has been the king sees it all. Hmon has been the king sees it all. Hmon has been working behind the scenes trying to kill working behind the scenes trying to kill working behind the scenes trying to kill the people that are not even guilty. And the people that are not even guilty. And the people that are not even guilty. And so the king's furious. He storms out and so the king's furious. He storms out and so the king's furious. He storms out and he comes back in. He says, "Hang Hmon." he comes back in. He says, "Hang Hmon." he comes back in. He says, "Hang Hmon." And Esther 7:10 tells us this. So they And Esther 7:10 tells us this. So they And Esther 7:10 tells us this. So they impaled Hmon on the pole he had set up impaled Hmon on the pole he had set up impaled Hmon on the pole he had set up for Mori. Boom. Boom. Take that.

for Mori. Boom. Boom. Take that. for Mori. Boom. Boom. Take that. So So So I want to talk to those of you that are I want to talk to those of you that are I want to talk to those of you that are doing the right thing doing the right thing doing the right thing and you're not seeing results yet and and you're not seeing results yet and and you're not seeing results yet and you're discouraged because you've been you're discouraged because you've been you're discouraged because you've been faithful for a long time and you're faithful for a long time and you're faithful for a long time and you're seeking God and you're praying and seeking God and you're praying and seeking God and you're praying and you're serving and you're believing for you're serving and you're believing for you're serving and you're believing for a miracle. I'm going tell you right now, a miracle. I'm going tell you right now, a miracle. I'm going tell you right now, the breakthrough you're praying for, the breakthrough you're praying for, the breakthrough you're praying for, it may already be in motion. it may already be in motion. it may already be in motion. Long before they ever knew what God was Long before they ever knew what God was Long before they ever knew what God was doing, God was working behind the doing, God was working behind the doing, God was working behind the scenes. Because here's the thing about scenes. Because here's the thing about scenes. Because here's the thing about providence. Remember what providence is? providence. Remember what providence is? providence. Remember what providence is? It's when God uses natural circumstances It's when God uses natural circumstances It's when God uses natural circumstances to bring about his supernatural will. to bring about his supernatural will. to bring about his supernatural will. That's the work of God. Providence is That's the work of God. Providence is That's the work of God. Providence is best understood looking back. Remember best understood looking back. Remember best understood looking back. Remember the guy who took advantage of us on the the guy who took advantage of us on the the guy who took advantage of us on the van situation? van situation? van situation? Over a decade went by and one week after Over a decade went by and one week after Over a decade went by and one week after preaching, someone brought us a girl preaching, someone brought us a girl preaching, someone brought us a girl looked like she was college age and she looked like she was college age and she looked like she was college age and she was crying and she said she had just was crying and she said she had just was crying and she said she had just given her life to Christ and someone given her life to Christ and someone given her life to Christ and someone wanted us to meet her and pray for her.

wanted us to meet her and pray for her. wanted us to meet her and pray for her. And we were praying for her and she was And we were praying for her and she was And we were praying for her and she was she you could just tell she was new. She she you could just tell she was new. She she you could just tell she was new. She was changed. She had so much emotion. was changed. She had so much emotion. was changed. She had so much emotion. and she she came seeking something and and she she came seeking something and and she she came seeking something and she found life in Christ and she said, she found life in Christ and she said, she found life in Christ and she said, "Oh my gosh, I just wanted to meet you "Oh my gosh, I just wanted to meet you "Oh my gosh, I just wanted to meet you and tell you thank you. Thank you. Thank and tell you thank you. Thank you. Thank and tell you thank you. Thank you. Thank you." She said, "Years ago, you probably you." She said, "Years ago, you probably you." She said, "Years ago, you probably don't remember, but Amy hit my dad's don't remember, but Amy hit my dad's don't remember, but Amy hit my dad's car." I said, "Well, honestly, I car." I said, "Well, honestly, I car." I said, "Well, honestly, I actually do remember that." And actually do remember that." And actually do remember that." And I'm praying for the chance to make I'm praying for the chance to make I'm praying for the chance to make things right for all these years and try things right for all these years and try things right for all these years and try to do the right thing. If you like to to do the right thing. If you like to to do the right thing. If you like to introduce me to him, introduce me to him, introduce me to him, can lay hands on him in the name of can lay hands on him in the name of can lay hands on him in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So I said, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So I said, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So I said, "Oh yeah, I I vaguely vaguely vaguely I "Oh yeah, I I vaguely vaguely vaguely I "Oh yeah, I I vaguely vaguely vaguely I remember something about that." And uh remember something about that." And uh remember something about that." And uh she said, "Yeah, I don't have a good she said, "Yeah, I don't have a good she said, "Yeah, I don't have a good relationship with my dad." And um he relationship with my dad." And um he relationship with my dad." And um he said, "I'm going to I'm going to squeeze said, "I'm going to I'm going to squeeze said, "I'm going to I'm going to squeeze them because they're the pastor of the them because they're the pastor of the them because they're the pastor of the church." And kind of told his family, church." And kind of told his family, church." And kind of told his family, he's going to go after us and and try to he's going to go after us and and try to he's going to go after us and and try to take advantage of us. And and she said, take advantage of us. And and she said, take advantage of us. And and she said, "You guys were so kind to him." And the "You guys were so kind to him." And the "You guys were so kind to him." And the whole time we could just hear the way whole time we could just hear the way whole time we could just hear the way you're treating him and and you sent us you're treating him and and you sent us you're treating him and and you sent us money and we all knew you weren't guilty money and we all knew you weren't guilty money and we all knew you weren't guilty and he knew you weren't guilty and he and he knew you weren't guilty and he and he knew you weren't guilty and he was just playing you and you just loved was just playing you and you just loved was just playing you and you just loved on him and sent him a nice note and said on him and sent him a nice note and said on him and sent him a nice note and said that you were praying for the family and that you were praying for the family and that you were praying for the family and she said, "I just remembered that.

she said, "I just remembered that. she said, "I just remembered that. He was trying to play you and you did He was trying to play you and you did He was trying to play you and you did the right thing." Years and years went the right thing." Years and years went the right thing." Years and years went by and she said I was dealing with by and she said I was dealing with by and she said I was dealing with mental health issues and depressed and mental health issues and depressed and mental health issues and depressed and not sure if I wanted to live. And so I not sure if I wanted to live. And so I not sure if I wanted to live. And so I thought maybe I'll try that one couple's thought maybe I'll try that one couple's thought maybe I'll try that one couple's church. And the very thing that I thought didn't And the very thing that I thought didn't matter and went unnoticed was something matter and went unnoticed was something matter and went unnoticed was something that God used in the life of a young that God used in the life of a young that God used in the life of a young girl to bring her to faith in Christ. girl to bring her to faith in Christ. girl to bring her to faith in Christ. And so I want you to feel feel it feel feel it in your own life. And when I tell you in your own life. And when I tell you in your own life. And when I tell you this, it's like I'm in bed at 2 in the this, it's like I'm in bed at 2 in the this, it's like I'm in bed at 2 in the morning trying to think, how can I get morning trying to think, how can I get morning trying to think, how can I get this from my heart into theirs? That this from my heart into theirs? That this from my heart into theirs? That even when you don't see it, God is even when you don't see it, God is even when you don't see it, God is working. working. working. Even when you don't feel it, God is Even when you don't feel it, God is Even when you don't feel it, God is working. Even when it looks like working. Even when it looks like working. Even when it looks like everything's going backward, God is everything's going backward, God is everything's going backward, God is still good. He's been doing this still good. He's been doing this still good. He's been doing this throughout history. all the way back to throughout history. all the way back to throughout history. all the way back to a hill outside of Jerusalem when the a hill outside of Jerusalem when the a hill outside of Jerusalem when the enemy crucified Jesus, the son of God, enemy crucified Jesus, the son of God, enemy crucified Jesus, the son of God, and the tomb was sealed and the tomb was sealed and the tomb was sealed and the disciples wept thinking the game and the disciples wept thinking the game and the disciples wept thinking the game is over is over is over and then nothing happened.

and then nothing happened. and then nothing happened. Day one. Day one. Day one. Day two, it looked like God was doing Day two, it looked like God was doing Day two, it looked like God was doing nothing. nothing. nothing. And you know how this one goes. Three And you know how this one goes. Three And you know how this one goes. Three days later when the stone was rolled days later when the stone was rolled days later when the stone was rolled away, the body of Jesus was not there away, the body of Jesus was not there away, the body of Jesus was not there because by the power of God, he was because by the power of God, he was because by the power of God, he was raised from the dead. raised from the dead. raised from the dead. And what was supposed to be the death of And what was supposed to be the death of And what was supposed to be the death of the son of God became the way for you, the son of God became the way for you, the son of God became the way for you, for me to have eternal life. And the for me to have eternal life. And the for me to have eternal life. And the very same God that raised Jesus from the very same God that raised Jesus from the very same God that raised Jesus from the dead IS THE SAME GOD working in your dead IS THE SAME GOD working in your dead IS THE SAME GOD working in your life at this very moment. And so please, life at this very moment. And so please, life at this very moment. And so please, this is for somebody, not everybody, but this is for somebody, not everybody, but this is for somebody, not everybody, but for somebody here. YOU'VE BEEN FAITHFUL for somebody here. YOU'VE BEEN FAITHFUL for somebody here. YOU'VE BEEN FAITHFUL for a long time. And maybe you've been for a long time. And maybe you've been for a long time. And maybe you've been praying for someone who's far from God praying for someone who's far from God praying for someone who's far from God and you see no change whatsoever in and you see no change whatsoever in and you see no change whatsoever in their lives. Or you're serving their lives. Or you're serving their lives. Or you're serving faithfully and it seems like it's not faithfully and it seems like it's not faithfully and it seems like it's not making a difference. Or you're doing the making a difference. Or you're doing the making a difference. Or you're doing the right thing. and it seems like nobody right thing. and it seems like nobody right thing. and it seems like nobody notices.

notices. notices. Maybe you're working on your marriage Maybe you're working on your marriage Maybe you're working on your marriage and it seems like you're the only one or and it seems like you're the only one or and it seems like you're the only one or you're giving your best at work and you you're giving your best at work and you you're giving your best at work and you feel invisible [music] and you're not feel invisible [music] and you're not feel invisible [music] and you're not bitter, you're just tired bitter, you're just tired bitter, you're just tired and you're wondering, and you're wondering, and you're wondering, does any of it matter? And I want to does any of it matter? And I want to does any of it matter? And I want to tell you, it tell you, it tell you, it matters. [music] matters. [music] matters. [music] It matters to God and God sees every It matters to God and God sees every It matters to God and God sees every single bit of it because what's single bit of it because what's single bit of it because what's unnoticed by people is still noticed by unnoticed by people is still noticed by unnoticed by people is still noticed by God. And what's crazy is that God's name God. And what's crazy is that God's name God. And what's crazy is that God's name doesn't appear anywhere in the book of doesn't appear anywhere in the book of doesn't appear anywhere in the book of Esther, but his presence and power is Esther, but his presence and power is Esther, but his presence and power is everywhere on every page. See it. See it everywhere on every page. See it. See it everywhere on every page. See it. See it with me. What do we have? The drunk with me. What do we have? The drunk with me. What do we have? The drunk king. king. king. The orphan girl, The orphan girl, The orphan girl, the sleepless night, the boring book, the sleepless night, the boring book, the sleepless night, the boring book, and the forgotten act.

and the forgotten act. and the forgotten act. None of it seems important, None of it seems important, None of it seems important, but none of it is accidental. but none of it is accidental. but none of it is accidental. Why? Why? Why? Because nothing faithful is ever [music] Because nothing faithful is ever [music] Because nothing faithful is ever [music] forgotten. forgotten. forgotten. So when you get up early and you cry out So when you get up early and you cry out So when you get up early and you cry out to God, he hears the cries of your to God, he hears the cries of your to God, he hears the cries of your heart, heart, heart, when you when you keep praying and when you when you keep praying and when you when you keep praying and heaven seems silent, he hears your heaven seems silent, he hears your heaven seems silent, he hears your prayers. When you keep serving and no prayers. When you keep serving and no prayers. When you keep serving and no one notices what you do to the least of one notices what you do to the least of one notices what you do to the least of these, you're actually doing unto him. these, you're actually doing unto him. these, you're actually doing unto him. Not one moment is wasted. Not one moment is wasted. Not one moment is wasted. Not one moment, not one prayer is Not one moment, not one prayer is Not one moment, not one prayer is forgotten. And so whenever that voice forgotten. And so whenever that voice forgotten. And so whenever that voice tells you doesn't matter, walk away. God tells you doesn't matter, walk away. God tells you doesn't matter, walk away. God doesn't care. God doesn't see it. Remind doesn't care. God doesn't see it. Remind doesn't care. God doesn't see it. Remind yourself the devil is a liar. yourself the devil is a liar. yourself the devil is a liar. >> What's unnoticed by people is never >> What's unnoticed by people is never >> What's unnoticed by people is never forgotten by God.

forgotten by God. forgotten by God. And I don't know who this is for, but And I don't know who this is for, but And I don't know who this is for, but I'm going tell you right now, when sleep I'm going tell you right now, when sleep I'm going tell you right now, when sleep flees, I'm praying for you. And when you flees, I'm praying for you. And when you flees, I'm praying for you. And when you do what's right, God sees you. do what's right, God sees you. do what's right, God sees you. God God God notices notices notices you are not forgotten. you are not forgotten. you are not forgotten. And God isn't finished And God isn't finished And God isn't finished yet. yet. yet. Even when you don't see it, he's Even when you don't see it, he's Even when you don't see it, he's working. And the same God working in working. And the same God working in working. And the same God working in that story, that story, that story, he's working in yours at this [music] he's working in yours at this [music] he's working in yours at this [music] very moment. So, Father, we thank you very moment. So, Father, we thank you very moment. So, Father, we thank you that you're a good God, that you're that you're a good God, that you're that you're a good God, that you're always faithful, and God, I pray that always faithful, and God, I pray that always faithful, and God, I pray that your Holy Spirit would minister to your Holy Spirit would minister to your Holy Spirit would minister to hearts today in a way that only you hearts today in a way that only you hearts today in a way that only you could do. All of our churches today, um, could do. All of our churches today, um, could do. All of our churches today, um, I would love to pray for you. And I I would love to pray for you. And I I would love to pray for you. And I would ask you, just think about it would ask you, just think about it would ask you, just think about it before you raise your hand, but raise before you raise your hand, but raise before you raise your hand, but raise your hand if you're you're doing the your hand if you're you're doing the your hand if you're you're doing the right thing and you're waiting to see right thing and you're waiting to see right thing and you're waiting to see the result. Maybe you've been believing the result. Maybe you've been believing the result. Maybe you've been believing God for something for years and [music] God for something for years and [music] God for something for years and [music] you haven't seen it yet. If that's you you haven't seen it yet. If that's you you haven't seen it yet. If that's you and you want prayer today, would you and you want prayer today, would you and you want prayer today, would you lift up your hands right now? All of our lift up your hands right now? All of our lift up your hands right now? All of our churches, lift them up. Lift them up.

churches, lift them up. Lift them up. churches, lift them up. Lift them up. Lift them up. Lift them up. Those of you Lift them up. Lift them up. Those of you Lift them up. Lift them up. Those of you online, you can just say, "Please pray online, you can just say, "Please pray online, you can just say, "Please pray for me. Please pray for me." Um I'm for me. Please pray for me." Um I'm for me. Please pray for me." Um I'm going to I'm going to pray for you. And going to I'm going to pray for you. And going to I'm going to pray for you. And then I would just ask you to pray for then I would just ask you to pray for then I would just ask you to pray for me. Would if you wouldn't mind. And I'll me. Would if you wouldn't mind. And I'll me. Would if you wouldn't mind. And I'll tell you how you can pray for me. tell you how you can pray for me. tell you how you can pray for me. [music] is that um 30s something years [music] is that um 30s something years [music] is that um 30s something years in the uh the burden the the the burden in the uh the burden the the the burden in the uh the burden the the the burden of the pastor's [music] heart is of the pastor's [music] heart is of the pastor's [music] heart is becoming so heavy that it hurts almost becoming so heavy that it hurts almost becoming so heavy that it hurts almost more than I can bear. And if you can more than I can bear. And if you can more than I can bear. And if you can just pray for me for God's presence to just pray for me for God's presence to just pray for me for God's presence to um sustain us, that would mean the um sustain us, that would mean the um sustain us, that would mean the world. And now, Father, I pray for um world. And now, Father, I pray for um world. And now, Father, I pray for um the flock that you've entrusted to our the flock that you've entrusted to our the flock that you've entrusted to our care. We thank you that you are the good care. We thank you that you are the good care. We thank you that you are the good shepherd that knows every sheep, knows shepherd that knows every sheep, knows shepherd that knows every sheep, knows their name, knows their hurts, knows their name, knows their hurts, knows their name, knows their hurts, knows their heart. And God, I pray for those their heart. And God, I pray for those their heart. And God, I pray for those especially who have been faithful, especially who have been faithful, especially who have been faithful, serving you, asking, begging, praying serving you, asking, begging, praying serving you, asking, begging, praying for a miracle, believing for provision. for a miracle, believing for provision. for a miracle, believing for provision. God, [music] God, [music] God, [music] we thank you that you hear the cries of we thank you that you hear the cries of we thank you that you hear the cries of their hearts. And God, maybe you've their hearts. And God, maybe you've their hearts. And God, maybe you've already released the miracle from already released the miracle from already released the miracle from heaven. God, we believe that you are heaven. God, we believe that you are heaven. God, we believe that you are faithful that even when we can't see it, faithful that even when we can't see it, faithful that even when we can't see it, you're working. And so God, we put our you're working. And so God, we put our you're working. And so God, we put our trust in you, God. We thank you that trust in you, God. We thank you that trust in you, God. We thank you that even when we are faithless, your word even when we are faithless, your word even when we are faithless, your word tells us that you are always faithful.

tells us that you are always faithful. tells us that you are always faithful. So we give you praise, God, for who you So we give you praise, God, for who you So we give you praise, God, for who you are. Work in the hearts of those who are. Work in the hearts of those who are. Work in the hearts of those who need to hear from you. We pray. need to hear from you. We pray. need to hear from you. We pray. We thank you in the name of your risen We thank you in the name of your risen We thank you in the name of your risen son. As you keep praying today, nobody son. As you keep praying today, nobody son. As you keep praying today, nobody looking around. Um looking around. Um looking around. Um maybe there are some of you who um if we maybe there are some of you who um if we maybe there are some of you who um if we would just sat down and talked and I would just sat down and talked and I would just sat down and talked and I said, "How how are you with God?" You said, "How how are you with God?" You said, "How how are you with God?" You might hesitate, might hesitate, might hesitate, how are you with [music] God? And you how are you with [music] God? And you how are you with [music] God? And you hesitate. And you might realize that hesitate. And you might realize that hesitate. And you might realize that there's a lot going on in your life there's a lot going on in your life there's a lot going on in your life that's pointing you toward him. that's pointing you toward him. that's pointing you toward him. [clears throat] [clears throat] [clears throat] If you don't know where you stand with If you don't know where you stand with If you don't know where you stand with [music] God, if you if you feel distant, [music] God, if you if you feel distant, [music] God, if you if you feel distant, if you got questions or heaviness or if you got questions or heaviness or if you got questions or heaviness or maybe feel guilty for your sin, what I maybe feel guilty for your sin, what I maybe feel guilty for your sin, what I want to tell you right now is you are want to tell you right now is you are want to tell you right now is you are not here by accident. [music] not here by accident. [music] not here by accident. [music] One day you may look back and see the One day you may look back and see the One day you may look back and see the providence of God. It's best viewed when providence of God. It's best viewed when providence of God. It's best viewed when you look back and realize you're not you look back and realize you're not you look back and realize you're not here by accident. And I want to tell you here by accident. And I want to tell you here by accident. And I want to tell you about God's love for you. If you don't about God's love for you. If you don't about God's love for you. If you don't know where you stand with God, hear the know where you stand with God, hear the know where you stand with God, hear the love of this message. For God so loved love of this message. For God so loved love of this message. For God so loved you that he sent his one and only son, you that he sent his one and only son, you that he sent his one and only son, Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. That whosoever believes in him would not That whosoever believes in him would not That whosoever believes in him would not perish but have eternal life. Who is perish but have eternal life. Who is perish but have eternal life. Who is Jesus? He is the sinless son of God. Jesus? He is the sinless son of God. Jesus? He is the sinless son of God. He's called the lamb of God who was He's called the lamb of God who was He's called the lamb of God who was slain on a cross for the forgiveness of slain on a cross for the forgiveness of slain on a cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus died in our place for our sins. Jesus died in our place for our sins. Jesus died in our place for our filth for our sins. He died [music] our filth for our sins. He died [music] our filth for our sins. He died [music] in our place. The perfect sacrifice for in our place. The perfect sacrifice for in our place. The perfect sacrifice for us. He paid the penalty for our [music] us. He paid the penalty for our [music] us. He paid the penalty for our [music] sins. And God raised him from the dead. sins. And God raised him from the dead. sins. And God raised him from the dead. So that anyone, hear me, anyone, and So that anyone, hear me, anyone, and So that anyone, hear me, anyone, and this includes you, no matter what you've this includes you, no matter what you've this includes you, no matter what you've done, [clears throat] no matter how dark done, [clears throat] no matter how dark done, [clears throat] no matter how dark your life feels, no matter how how far your life feels, no matter how how far your life feels, no matter how how far God feels away from you right now, God feels away from you right now, God feels away from you right now, anyone who calls on the name of the anyone who calls on the name of the anyone who calls on the name of the risen Lord Jesus Christ, your sins would risen Lord Jesus Christ, your sins would risen Lord Jesus Christ, your sins would be forgiven and you would be made brand be forgiven and you would be made brand be forgiven and you would be made brand new. Jesus came [music] for you. Today new. Jesus came [music] for you. Today new. Jesus came [music] for you. Today at all of our churches, there are those at all of our churches, there are those at all of our churches, there are those of you, I want you just to think about of you, I want you just to think about of you, I want you just to think about it. A lot's been pointing toward this it. A lot's been pointing toward this it. A lot's been pointing toward this moment. You are not here by accident.

moment. You are not here by accident. moment. You are not here by accident. You can see it. We look at the story of You can see it. We look at the story of You can see it. We look at the story of the Esther. A boring book, a drunk king, the Esther. A boring book, a drunk king, the Esther. A boring book, a drunk king, a banished queen, a Jewish orphan girl. a banished queen, a Jewish orphan girl. a banished queen, a Jewish orphan girl. You look at your life and you can see You look at your life and you can see You look at your life and you can see it. A hurt, a loss, a betrayal, an it. A hurt, a loss, a betrayal, an it. A hurt, a loss, a betrayal, an opportunity, a disappointment. opportunity, a disappointment. opportunity, a disappointment. Everything's pointing toward this moment Everything's pointing toward this moment Everything's pointing toward this moment right now. You need a savior. His name right now. You need a savior. His name right now. You need a savior. His name is Jesus. If you're here today and you is Jesus. If you're here today and you is Jesus. If you're here today and you don't know where you stand with God, don't know where you stand with God, don't know where you stand with God, we're going to step away from our sins we're going to step away from our sins we're going to step away from our sins and we're going to surrender our life to and we're going to surrender our life to and we're going to surrender our life to Jesus. If we confess our sins, the Bible Jesus. If we confess our sins, the Bible Jesus. If we confess our sins, the Bible says God is faithful and just to forgive says God is faithful and just to forgive says God is faithful and just to forgive us of all of our sins and to cleanse us us of all of our sins and to cleanse us us of all of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. When you call from all unrighteousness. When you call from all unrighteousness. When you call on Jesus, he doesn't just make you on Jesus, he doesn't just make you on Jesus, he doesn't just make you better. He makes you new. The old is better. He makes you new. The old is better. He makes you new. The old is gone and the new is here. And all of our gone and the new is here. And all of our gone and the new is here. And all of our churches, if that's you today, you need churches, if that's you today, you need churches, if that's you today, you need him. You need his forgiveness. You don't him. You need his forgiveness. You don't him. You need his forgiveness. You don't know where you stand with God. You are know where you stand with God. You are know where you stand with God. You are not here by accident. Today is the day not here by accident. Today is the day not here by accident. Today is the day of your salvation. All of our churches, of your salvation. All of our churches, of your salvation. All of our churches, you say, "That's me. I know it. It's me. you say, "That's me. I know it. It's me. you say, "That's me. I know it. It's me. Today is the day. Today is the day. Today is the day. Today is the day. Today is the day. Today is the day. Someday is today. Today is the day." I Someday is today. Today is the day." I Someday is today. Today is the day." I say yes Jesus be the savior, the lord of say yes Jesus be the savior, the lord of say yes Jesus be the savior, the lord of my life. That's your prayer. Lift your my life. That's your prayer. Lift your my life. That's your prayer. Lift your hand high right now all over the place hand high right now all over the place hand high right now all over the place and say yes. That's me. Lift up your and say yes. That's me. Lift up your and say yes. That's me. Lift up your hands and say yes Jesus right back over hands and say yes Jesus right back over hands and say yes Jesus right back over there. God bless you over here as well.

there. God bless you over here as well. there. God bless you over here as well. Others today right back here. Come on. Others today right back here. Come on. Others today right back here. Come on. Others say right back over here. Praise Others say right back over here. Praise Others say right back over here. Praise God for you. God bless you. Others today God for you. God bless you. Others today God for you. God bless you. Others today say yes Jesus save me. I surrender my say yes Jesus save me. I surrender my say yes Jesus save me. I surrender my life to you. Online you can type in the life to you. Online you can type in the life to you. Online you can type in the comment sections, I'm surrendering my comment sections, I'm surrendering my comment sections, I'm surrendering my life to Jesus. And we're going to life to Jesus. And we're going to life to Jesus. And we're going to [snorts] pray. Church, nobody prays [snorts] pray. Church, nobody prays [snorts] pray. Church, nobody prays alone. Just pray aloud. Heavenly Father, alone. Just pray aloud. Heavenly Father, alone. Just pray aloud. Heavenly Father, >> forgive all of my sins. >> forgive all of my sins. >> forgive all of my sins. >> Save me, Jesus. >> Save me, Jesus. >> Save me, Jesus. >> Save me, Jesus. >> Save me, Jesus. >> Save me, Jesus. >> Be my Lord. >> Be my Lord. >> Be my Lord. >> Lord and my rescuer. >> Lord and my rescuer. >> Lord and my rescuer. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> Fill me with your spirit. >> So I could walk with you >> So I could walk with you >> So I could walk with you >> and I could know you personally. My life >> and I could know you personally. My life >> and I could know you personally. My life is not my own. I give it all to you. is not my own. I give it all to you. is not my own. I give it all to you. Thank you for new life. In Jesus name I Thank you for new life. In Jesus name I Thank you for new life. In Jesus name I pray. Church, can you worship a good God pray. Church, can you worship a good God pray. Church, can you worship a good God today? We can trust that God works today? We can trust that God works today? We can trust that God works through all of our circumstances, through all of our circumstances, through all of our circumstances, [music] even when we struggle to hear [music] even when we struggle to hear [music] even when we struggle to hear from him or sense his presence. To learn from him or sense his presence. To learn from him or sense his presence. To learn more about finding a faith [music] that more about finding a faith [music] that more about finding a faith [music] that always sustains you, just click here.