In what ways can we seek God's guidance in our own preparations? Chosen Verse “In this way the young woman would go to the king: She would be given whatever she desired to take with her from the harem into the royal palace.” (Esther 2:13) Context: Esther’s Season of Preparation • Twelve months of careful, ordered beauty treatments (Esther 2:12) • A single night that would alter a life and affect an entire nation • Esther could request “whatever she desired” (v. 13)—yet her success rested not in cosmetics or trinkets, but in the unseen hand of God (Esther 2:17) Principles for Seeking God’s Guidance in Our Preparations 1. Begin by committing the plan to Him – “Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.” (Proverbs 16:3) 2. Ask for specific wisdom every step of the way – “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) 3. Trust rather than lean on self-reliance – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) 4. Align desires with His heart – “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4) 5. Remember you were created for prepared works – “We are God’s workmanship… created… to do good works, which God prepared in advance….” (Ephesians 2:10) Practical Steps You Can Take • Pray before, during, and after planning – Use Philippians 4:6-7 as a pattern: present requests, thank Him, receive peace. • Saturate your mind with Scripture – Let passages like Psalm 119:105 guide: His word lights each next step. • Seek godly counsel – Proverbs 11:14 shows safety in many advisers; invite those who know both the Lord and the situation. • Evaluate motives honestly – Ask: “Does this elevate Christ or merely me?” (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:31). • Count the cost wisely – Luke 14:28 urges realistic assessment; stewardship is spiritual. • Stay flexible to God’s redirects – Proverbs 19:21 reminds us the Lord’s purpose prevails; hold plans loosely. • Cast anxieties back on Him daily – 1 Peter 5:7 frees you to prepare without being paralyzed by worry. Encouragement to Step Forward Just as Esther’s humble, obedient preparation became the channel for God’s sovereign rescue, your careful planning—bathed in prayer, grounded in Scripture, and yielded to His lead—positions you to walk straight into the works He has already laid out for you. |
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