Step In and Step Up

CONNECTION

I love stories and books especially when it all comes together at the end, there’s something satisfying about it.

LOTR — Star Wars — The Hobbit — Mistborn — Dune — Die Hard — The Odyssey.

Someone has to take action.

Honest Question: Have you ever waited on God?

TENSION

We love the idea that God is in control. But sometimes, he doesn’t move in the timeline we think he is supposed to.

Examples of Passive Faith vs. Active Faith:

We see a need in the church or community, but think, “Someone else will handle it.”

We feel a prompting from God, but fear keeps us from moving forward.

Someone says, “I’ll pray about it,” but never actually steps in.

We hear the voice of God and we slowly turn away — God’s got this, He’s in control.

Tension: What if God’s plan includes you? What if He’s waiting for you to step in and step up? What if you’re his solution to a problem?

GOD

Recap last week.

Esther 7:1–2 NIV

So the king and Haman went to Queen Esther’s banquet, and as they were drinking wine on the second day, the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”

This is it, Esther big moment. Everything has come to this one chance.

Esther 7:3–6 NIV

3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. 4 For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.” 5 King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, “Who is he? Where is he—the man who has dared to do such a thing?” 6 Esther said, “An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and queen.

Goes right for it. Here’s the thing, she is stepping into her calling. Remember what she said in week 1? If I perish, I perish.

Not afraid of what would happen if she failed, no excuses, no avoiding, goes right for it.

There is a lot of risk involved with this. Haman was his right-hand man.

King could kill her — not believe her — kill her family — remove her from being queen — publicly shame her.

Esther 7:7–8 NIV

7 The king got up in a rage, left his wine and went out into the palace garden. But Haman, realizing that the king had already decided his fate, stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life.

How funny that Haman, once proud and powerful is now begging to the very person he didn’t want as queen.

He required bowing, instead he is bowing before the queen.

Esther 7:7–8 NIV

8 Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Will he even molest the queen while she is with me in the house?” As soon as the word left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.

King is angry, cools down and returns… only to find Haman breaking court etiquette.

Esther: An Introduction and Commentary (Reid) i. Xerxes’ Anger Is Roused (7:7–8)

Haman chooses to break court etiquette in a last attempt to save his life (see Yamauchi, 1990: 262, quoting an edict about conduct in the harem that directs that a courtier or eunuch ‘when he would speak with a woman of the palace should not approach closer than seven steps’). Xerxes returns to the banquet hall to find Haman in a compromising position and immediately jumps to conclusions and accuses Haman of attempting to molest the queen.

Esther 7:9–10 NIV

9 Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, “A pole reaching to a height of fifty cubits stands by Haman’s house. He had it set up for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king.” The king said, “Impale him on it!” 10 So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided.

After this Mordecai is appointed to take over Haman's estate (rich).

King issues a new decree protecting the Jews all over the country. Authorizing them to fight and defend themselves against people who would try to collect the bribes of Haman. Happily ever after. Remember what happened in part 1 of Esther? She is called, she wrestles and wrestles and then accepts the calling. Today she is obedient, she steps into the

Victory comes when we take action.

Mordecai didn’t just mourn the problem—he stepped up as a leader. Esther didn’t let fear hold her back she was obedient.

Could God have saved the Jews without Esther? Yes. But he choose to do it with Esther.

All over the NT — God choses to use HIS people.

God invites us to be part of His plan.

But He chose to use her—just like He chooses to use us.

We don’t serve because God needs us—we serve because He invites us into something bigger than ourselves.

Esther’s story doesn’t end with her just surviving—she thrives in her calling.

What if...

You’re not waiting on God—God is waiting on you.

APPLICATION

In your family?

God is waiting on you to step up and be a spiritual leader in your family?

In your workplace?

God is waiting on you to step up and share your faith at work? Story of not wanting to make my faith known and then the conversations that I am able to have in a USMC building.

In your church?

God is waiting on you to start the ministry that you say the church needs?

God is waiting on you to start serving on a team so he can grow your faith?

We have a vision to inspire every person in the city of FXBG to Love God, Love People and Make a Difference. Let me be really honest, that’ s huge goal. I mean it’s an audacious vision. We want to see...

Marriages restored by the hope of Jesus.

Families find hope.

Addicts find freedom from addiction.

Parents to raise up Godly children.

Lives to be changed forever b/c of the impact of this church.

Maybe you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to start serving—what if the right time is now and God is just waiting on you?

You are God’s plan for this city. Tell your neighbor that.

I came to faith b/c Pastor Ron down in Camp Lejeune NC stepped up.

2 of my kids are baptized b/c the teachers in kids team stepped up.

I am convinced of this b/c it’s the Kingdom of God doesn’t have sidelines. He has everyone in a place for a reason.

INSPIRATION

Imagine what our church could look like if every single person said YES to stepping up.

What if no one just sat on the sidelines?

What if we didn’t just pray for God to move—but actually moved with Him?

Just like the characters in all our favorite stories, just like the story of Esther — change only happens when we step up.

We’re not waiting on God-God is waiting on us.

You’re not waiting on God—God is waiting on you. Today, you have an opportunity to take your next step. Maybe it’s serving, leading, or simply saying, ‘I’m in.’ Don’t let fear or hesitation hold you back. Step up and step in.

Closing Prayer: "God, thank You for placing us here for a reason. Help us to see the opportunities You’ve given us, and give us boldness to step into what You’ve called us to do."