Man Up! Sample

STOP HIDING

Yesterday's reading ended with Queen Esther safely hidden away in the palace after exposing the plot against King Xerxes. Until we meet the delightful Sir Haman. I think in modern times he would have insisted on the title! His ego took such a beating when one Jew refused to kneel before him that he decided to wipe out the whole lot. Thank goodness Esther is safe and sound in the palace, right?

You see, people who man up are not intimidated by the world on the outside of their comfort zones. Esther realized that the apparent safety of the palace was a false promise of security. Her only true hiding place was in God. "For You are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory" (Psalms 32:7, NLT). The only way to experience victory was by stepping out. 

What does your hiding place look like? What is on the outside? Perhaps you are trusting your current safety zone more than it deserves. Everything can change in a single moment, whether you decide to stay or step out. But without a definitive decision, the odds for spectacular victory and success are low. 

Consider your comfort zone. Are you hiding there because you think you will be safe? Whatever is on the outside can be overcome in the name of Christ by making one brave decision to Man Up!