2. An Example From Esther What will you do when you must stand?

3. An Example From Esther We learn of God’s providential care for His people. Many times we mention God’s providential blessings by simply going to the sermon on the mount.  Matt. 6:25-34 – verse 33 speaks of God’s blessings upon those who put Him first

4. An Example From Esther The story of Esther is the example of this because we only see what Esther and Mordecai did. They stood for what was right in the face of death.

5. An Example From Esther  Esther 4 – Mordecai presents Esther with her ultimatum.  Esther 5 – Esther plans to present her problem to the king.  Esther 6 – Mordecai is honored over Haman.  Esther 7 – Esther gains the kings favor.

6. An Example From Esther From time to time we may be confronted with the opportunity to do what is right. Doing the right thing might just bring us heartache, trial, and persecution. Will we stand for what is right?

7. An Example From Esther We should remember the words of Mordecai to Esther, “Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

8. An Example From Esther We can see this type of stance in the book of Daniel.  Daniel 3:8-30 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego will not bow to an idol  Daniel 6:10-23 – Daniel continued to pray only to God We see the specific blessings of God upon these four men because they stood for what was right, specifically for God.

9. An Example From Esther Another example of God’s providential blessings is evident from the story of Ruth. Ruth left here home and her people to follow after Naomi. We read the great statement made by Ruth early on.

10. An Example From Esther 16 But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.” Ruth 1:16-17

11. An Example From Esther We see the providence of God alive in the life of Ruth as she gleans from the field of Boaz.  Ruth 2 – Naomi recognizes God’s blessings upon Ruth

12. An Example From Esther There were providential blessings and specific blessings of protection poured out on these people because they ultimately put God first. Do you put God first in your life?