"...the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them" (Esther 8:17).
I am told that if you witness your loved one trapped in a car accident, your adrenaline takes over. You become a momentary 'Superman'. You are able to exercise much more strength than usual, and can often 'rescue' them with your new strength and resolve. Suddenly, you're the hero.
Well, you know the story of Esther. She 'dared' to approach the king without being invited because her people, the Jews, were scheduled to be slaughtered. She received favor, the king allowed the Jews to defend themselves, and so the Jewish people became feared. She became the heroine.
But here's what's almost hidden in this story. When God's people were allowed to defend themselves, suddenly many non-Jews decided they also wanted to become Jews. They knew the Jews would win the battle, and they wanted to be on the winning side. This was one of the great 'evangelism moments' in history... all because one woman 'dared' to take a stand!
When we are filled with the Holy Spirit's compassion for lost people around us, we get a new boldness. Suddenly everything looks different.
- The office water-cooler becomes like the Samaratan well where Jesus shared his faith.
- Our neighbors become a Zaccheus when we say, 'let's have dinner together'.
- Our relatives become targets of our prayer and fasting, like Esther. The depressing TV news propels us to really become 'salt and light' for Christ.
- We take the Gospel out of the church and into the marketplace, where people really live.
Our continual shyness takes a backseat to aggressive compassion. We calculate the risk, and then 'dare to make a difference'. We come out of our safety zone, and decide to risk it all.
Our continual shyness takes a backseat to aggressive compassion. We calculate the risk, and then 'dare to make a difference'. We come out of our safety zone, and decide to risk it all.
And when we do, all heaven breaks loose. God begins to respond to our desperate love by bringing 'much fruit' into our lives. Their destiny is changed forever. We become one of God's mighty warriors.
Don't think you can't. Many people will find Christ when you 'dare to care'!
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
www.oasisworldministries.org
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P.S.S. Learn more about Gas Buy-Down: America's Best Faith-Sharing Tool.
