Esther Chapter 8. Trials + Joy = Hope = Perseverance.
After Haman's death:
1. Queen Esther was given the estate of Haman.
2. King Xerxes gave Mordecai his signet ring.
3. Queen Esther put Mordecai in charge of what used to be Haman's estate.
4. The king had them write a decree that would put a stop to the upcoming killing of the Jews.
5. The Jews celebrated Mordecai's position of Honor and celebrated the freedom of the Jews.
A happy ending! Goodness triumphs over evil. God defeats the enemy. Because there is victory in Jesus, it doesn't mean we won't go through trials and tribulations. We will face trials and tribulations. We will experience pain and suffering. But knowing that in the end, God wins, it acts as a motivation and encouragement to hang on and not to give up. We persevere. We keep the faith. We keep trusting God who is in control.
James 2:3-4,12 is a great passage.
* It says consider it pure joy when You face trials and tribulations of many kinds.
That sounds crazy! Why would I want to consider it pure joy? It's no fun!
Knowing that God wins can encourage us to be joyful. I don't have to worry because God is in control. I can have a joyful spirit in the tough times because I know I win.
If Joy exists, perseverance will occur. To have joy is to have hope. To have hope means you'll persevere because you know the outcome. Take away Joy, is to take away hope. Without hope, one is quick to give up and not persevere.
If perseverance occurs, the benefits are:
1. I'll become more mature with my faith walk.
2. I'll become more like Jesus.
3. I'll receive the crown of Life (eternal life) that God promised to those who love Him (vs. 12).
What is your current situation? What are you going through right now? Let your heart be joyful because you know you win. Don't give up hope, but instead persevere. Never give up!
I was reminded of what we read in Proverbs 22:1-5.
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all. The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.”