Trading

July 9, 2010

I’m just finishing Beth Moore’s Esther study and it has come at a great time. I’ve always enjoyed Esther, but I’ve gained new insights this time around for which I am so thankful.

In yesterday’s assignment, she pointed out how God flip-flopped the circumstances for the Jews in Persia completely. Haman wrote an edict intended to destroy the Jews, but Moredecai & Esther’s edict intended just the opposite.

The Jews responded to Haman’s edict with mourning, fasting, weeping, and wailing (Esther 4:3), but the Jews responded with happiness, joy, gladness and honor to Mordecai & Esther’s edict (Esther 8:16).

I love how she (Beth) then encouraged me to think of 4 negatives in my life that I would like God to reverse. I easily came up with 4:

1. The tendency for me to see the negative in someone before I see the good (especially in my family and myself). My deceptive thought is that if I point out the bad, it can be changed for good. Right?!?!
2. Related, the heavy atmosphere my negativity causes in our home.
3. Excessive guilt.
4. Perfectionism.

And what 4 positives would I like God to replace them with?

1. A lighthearted, affirming spirit in me.
2. A home where encouragement and patience reigns.
3. Freedom.
4. Grace.

I loved what she said:

Are any of [your positives] unbiblical? I’m imagining not. Unless you’re asking something ungodly and vindictive, I want to challenge you to turn those descriptions into petitions.

It’s simple and common sense, I guess, but this never occurred to me — to ask for the reverse. What I desire is definitely godly and right. I just never thought to ask.

But I’m asking now.

What are the things you hope God will reverse for you?

Related posts:

1. Good stuff, bad stuff, foot stuff
2. He lives

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