We continued a four-part series at First United Methodist Church Waco titled “Amazing Stories”. Today’s message is “Esther’s Story” and can be watched at this link. Below is an outline of the message. The words in black are notes provided by the church staff and the notes in blue are notes I added as I listened to the podcast.

We are never as good as we can be with God because He is the One that directs us. Even when we can’t see Him, He’s involved in our life. Esther was a Jewish orphan who became Queen of the most powerful kingdom of that time.

1. HIGHLIGHT THE ABILITIES IN YOUR OWN STORY.

“Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her.” – Esther 2:15 (NIV)

God used Esther’s gifts to save the Jewish people. She had beauty but also was a good communicator and was engaging.

2. INCLUDE WHAT BREAKS YOUR HEART IN YOUR STORY.

When you look at your community and at those around you what is it that continually breaks your heart? You think to yourself, “Somebody ought to do something about that.” People are hungry, people need a home, people need to hear about Jesus and somebody ought to do something and that somebody might be you.

3. LISTEN TO GOD DURING YOUR STORY.

“When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” – Esther 4:12-14 (NIV)

4. MAKE YOUR STORY ABOUT FAITH.

“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” – Esther 16 (NIV)

The world is changed because Esther lived, said, and did something with faith.

5. FULFILL YOUR STORY WITH PATIENCE, DILIGENCE, AND CONFIDENCE.

Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you”. – Matthew 9:29 (NIV)