Introduction:
A. The book of Esther is one of only two books in the Bible that does not mention the name of God.
B. Providence has to do with the non-miraculous activity of God in governing the universe.
C. After the wicked plot of Haman was discovered, Mordecai asked Esther if she would intervene on behalf of her people (Est. 4:14).
D. If we want our lives to make a difference, we must take advantage of opportunities the Lord provides for us.
I. We Must Prepare for the Opportunity.
A. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah deal with the exiles who returned from Babylon, while the book of Esther tells of events among those who decided to remain behind.
B. The preparation of Esther (Est. 2:9, 15, 17)
C. Preparation precedes opportunity (1 Pet. 1:13; 2 Tim. 4:2)
1. Study (2 Tim. 2:15)
2. Training (Heb. 5:14)
3. Prayer (Eph. 6:18-20)
II. We Must Learn to Recognize Opportunities.
A. This is involves doing the right thing at the right place at the right time (Prov. 3:5).
B. Esther was in a unique position to make a difference for her people (Est 4:7, 11, 14).
C. We must be alert to opportunities placed before us by the providence of God (Gal. 6:10; Col. 4:5).
III. We Must Be Willing to Take Risks.
A. Esther’s actions on behalf of her people posed a real threat to her life (Est. 4:16; 5:1-3).
B. When nothing is ventured, nothing is gained.
C. Every time we step outside of our comfort zone, we take risks.
Conclusion:
A. We can make a difference in this world.
B. God has a plan for each of our lives
C. We must be willing participants in that plan by humbly accepting His will.