In the twentieth week of a pregnancy she had waited more than a decade for, Kim was told she had two fatal brain tumours and only weeks to live. Her question, why me, why now, opens this reflection on Esther 3 and 4, where the settled lives of Mordecai and Esther are overturned overnight. The sermon shows that God sometimes places us in circumstances we cannot understand, so that at the right time we can prove faithful to him and serve others. Listen if you are facing something today that you never planned for.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Esther 3, Mordecai refuses to bow to Haman, and Haman responds by plotting to destroy the whole Jewish people. According to the sermon, why could Mordecai not bow, and what does that reveal about his faith?
- Esther is afraid to approach the king without being summoned. How do you understand Mordecai's words in Esther 4: "who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this"?
- The speaker stresses that God sometimes places us in circumstances we do not understand so that we can show Him faithfulness despite painful consequences. How does Kim's story, choosing to give her baby a chance, help you see this?
- Jose Henriquez, trapped 700 meters underground, led the other miners in prayer and to Jesus. How can God use a hard situation no one would ever choose for the good of other people?
- When the question "why me, why now?" comes up in your life, what helps you trust God even when you cannot see the sense in what is happening?
- Where has God placed you in this season of life: at work, in your family, in a difficult experience? Whom can you serve from that place this week, someone others might not reach?
